Originally Posted by Malorn
Americans revolted against Britain over unfair taxation and government tyranny. Why does it surprise you that we get worked up over government fraud?
|
Colonists were taxed a great deal less than Englishmen living in England at that time. However, the combination of rule by a distant and disconnected government, combined with proclamations forbidden western expansion (and thereby limiting what would be extremely profitable business and land opportunities for the wealthy few (who were also, conveniently, the political leaders of the revolution)) led to the discontent necessary to spark rebellion.
Rallying the people around taxation was just the convenient excuse because a) nobody likes taxes (nobody), and b) people wouldn't rally around the real reason because it's too complicated. Much easier you just go *rabblerabbleTAXESrabblerabble*.
200+ years later and
nothing is different.