BACKGROUND FOR

DON'T TAX ME

a song about the Pre-Revolutionary war period in the US

The traditional interpretation of the events leading America to revolution in 1776 has been pro-Patriot--that is, supporting the struggle of the colonists to free themselves from an oppressive mother country. According to this interpretation, the colonists were distressed over the new type of taxation imposed by England which they considered to be unfair, especially since they did not have elected representatives in the British parliament. (Most citizens in England did not vote either!)The "patriots" as these colonists were called, had ideological differences with the government in England.

There were other grievances as well. For example, they did not appreciate the policy of "quartering" the "regulars" (army of England) in private homes; nor did the colonists approve the policy known as"Writs of Assistance" which were general search warrents. These Writs were used after 1760 to enforce the "Navigation" Acts--taxation related to trade. 

 

A newer interpretation sees the conflict as being economic as well as politically ideological...that the colonists did not want to participate in paying off the debts incurred as a result of the French and Indian War which ended in 1763. According to this interpretation, the colonists wanted to enjoy the benefits of being part of the British Empire while maintaining political independence. In other words, the colonists were selfish.

Although there is merit to both points of view, it should be remembered that Britain had fought, not just in North America between 1754 to 1763 but in Europe as well.(The Seven Years War). The debts were huge. The government of the crown felt the colonists should participate in settling some of these financial obligations.

Not every colonist sided with the "Patriots." There were many colonial loyalists,
( those supportive of the government in England) thousands of whom were severely persecuted and had to flee to Canada. There were many colonists who were basically neutral.

There are sound arguments on both sides of the issue. 

 

This song reflects both points of view, but, in a subtle way, tends toward the newer, revisionist interpretation. 

It is interesting to note the  US Federal government's reaction to the violent rebellion  against the tax on whiskey during the presidency of George Washington, beginning in 1791. The tax was part of Alexander Hamilton's plan to pay off the national debt. Violence on the western frontier was used to prevent federal officials from collecting the tax. While President Washington  did send some peace commissioners to negotiate with the rebellious farmers, he also raised an militia of 15,000 to subdue them if necessary. The threat of the army caused the protesters to give up their fight. Ultimately, the tax was repealed.  The important point here is that a tax was levied on people, many of whom did not have the right to vote. It was an American action!