Evaluate the extent to which ideas of self-government influenced American colonial reactions to British imperial authority in the period 1754 to 1776. (2019)
Ideas of self-government played a decisive role in shaping colonial reaction to British imperial authority. Republican ideas based on the natural rights of the people provided revolutionary leaders with a language of liberty that expressed their growing opposition to British taxes. A commitment to self-government also overcame the opposition of Loyalists who valued tradition and allegiance to the Crown.
