Justification or lack of justification for the rebellion or for declaring independence from Great Britain

(an ideological/ intellectual perspective),

I, Robert Livingston, of the Patriot faction, in this paper, discuss the justifications for the rebellion and

declaration of independence from Great Britian, with a focus on the ideas put forth by Mr. Thomas

Paine, and refuting those by James Chalmers.

As Thomas Paine indicated in his pamphlet ‘Common Sense’, I too believe that it is in common sense for

the colonies to break free from Britain’s oppressive rule. The whole foundation of the British monarchy is

unjust in that hereditary succession is no basis for legitimate rule and is a completely outdated concept.

It makes no sense for a single ruler like King George III to hold so much power over a diverse land that he

is so far away from like America alongside the British Empire.

Furthermore, we should be the ones to govern our own colonies as we alone are aware of our own

circumstances. Having an American government is the only way that we can be truly represented and act

in the best interests of the American people. Given the opportunity for self-governance, we will better

be able to elect from ourselves our own leaders leading to a more just and accountable government as

opposed to being ruled by a distant king and parliament, without our consent as discussed by John

Locke.

Moreover, Paine discusses the concept of natural rights, asserting that all individuals are born equal,

possessing inherent rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness- rights that are intrinsic to

humanity- not granted by governments. As such, independence for the American colonies would allow

the American people to be more in control of their own destinies.

Some loyalists such as James Chalmers, may argue that rebellion against the British is unjust as the

colonies have ‘enjoyed’ autonomy and ‘representation’ in the British Parliament through elected
representatives but fail to acknowledge that this ‘representation’ is not without its limits. These include

the fact that there is a vast geographical distance between the American colonies and Britain which

makes it impossible for these representatives to fully gauge the unique concerns and circumstances of

the colonies. Not only that, but these representatives are a minority in the British Parliament and their

voices are often swallowed up by the interests of the larger British empire making it difficult to

effectively advocate for the American colonies.

Another argument made by Chalmers is about caution with rebellion against the British authority, stating

that it could lead to instability and chaos implying that the path towards independence is a risky one that

should be avoided by maintaining ties with the British and the existing system of governance. However,

these British authorities have committed ‘Intolerable Acts’ that have not only gone directly against our

natural rights of a government we consent to, but they have essentially become a tyrannical invasion of

our property and rights. For example, The Boston Port Act which closed the port of Boston until the East

India Company was repaid, effectively destroyed Boston’s economy and trade. The Massachusetts

Government Act which reduced our colonial power by strengthening the royal governor’s authority in

the Massachusetts colonial government effectively limiting the ability to self-govern. The Quartering Act

of 1774, which required colonial authorities to provide housing and other provisions to the British troops

within our own private homes! These are only just a few examples of the British disregard for the

property we have worked so hard for. Clearly, Britain has shown its incompetence, and downright refusal

to act in our best interests.

As such, independence is not only a matter of right but an increasingly one of necessity. The oppressive

British rule has left us with no choice but to pursue and fight for American independence in order to

secure our rights, liberties, properties and the right to govern ourselves.