I am wondering if it seems plausible for the causes of the American Revolution to be supported from a British standpoint?

Hmm... I don't know if I'm quite sure what you're asking, but if I'm understanding correctly, I think the answer is yes. There were plenty of Parliament members who were in favor of giving the colonies at least limited independence for any number of reasons (it was morally right to let them be self-determinant, the war was costing too much, etc.).

If you mean in what ways were the British justified in trying to keep control of the colonies, I might be able to answer you. I'll list Britain's strong points by addressing the colonies' complaints towards their mother county:

1. America's favorite cry, "Taxation without representation" was untrue. Parliament was a form of indirect representation (they represented the whole of the empire, though they were not directly voted by Americans). Also, the American colonies were offered direct representation, but it was turned down because by that point many radicals simply wanted to break away, not to mention they were only offered 2 representatives, which would not give American much power at all considering how many people were living in the colonies.

2. The vice admiralty courts and the suspension of habeas corpus were in response to Americans' refusal to cease smuggling, which was practically its own trade by that time. The Navigation Acts had always been in place, but Britain had not enforced them in so long that the colonists felt it was unfair despite their being a colony of Britain.

3. While the system of mercantilism between the colonies and Britain restricted the colonies' trade to just Britain, it also guaranteed a trade partner, and the colonies (and Britain) prospered because of this. None of the colonies even had to think about finding customers because they were all available in Britain.

4. Britain's unfair taxes on the colonies were not as unfair as the colonists claimed them to be. Residents of Britain itself were taxed much more heavily than the colonists. I cannot remember the exact prices but it was an extreme difference; you may want to look it up. However, I know for a fact this is true.

5. Many colonists believe the Proclamation of 1763 was an unfair law. To refresh any memories, this prohibited all and any colonists from settling anywhere past the Appalachian mountains, and it declared colonists were to pay for the soldiers who guarded the mountains from settlers wishing to cross. To be frank, this pissed off the colonists. Despite the seeming unfairness, it was actually in the colonists' interests. The Native Americans west of the Appalachians were none too happy to have been shoved over where they were, and they did not want to lose more land. Considering this proclamation was right after the end of the French and Indian War, Britain was not nearly at enough strength to contend with the major powers in the world AND start a massive war with the Native Americans (oh yea the proclamation was also in response to a small war that had already broken out with them, which scared Parliament into avoiding them). Finally, the colonists only had to pay a fraction of the price for the soldiers (1/3 I believe). Britain footed the rest of the bill.

6. The colonists believe Britain did not care about, or even spited, the American colonies. This is an easy point to hit, and make sure to drive it in hard. Why in the world would Britain want to ruin America? Britain had invested heavily in the American colonies, and if it were to completely exploit them, it would lose its investment. Most of Britain's action were simply one of two things: It was trying to recover from the French and Indian War, or it was in response to outraged reactions from the colonists. Again, Britain had no reason to hinder its investment. If the American colonies faltered, Britain faltered. If they failed, Britain failed. Be SURE to include this point.


If you feel this is not enough information or you just want more, look over more of the colonists' reasons for breaking away from Britain and simply rebut them. You can also try reading the Declaration of Independence, which is basically a list of complaints towards Britain, or an analysis of it.


Sorry if this post is too late, I had completely forgotten to check these forums for the past couple weeks.