A New Reality in Colonial America

It is often stated that literature reflects the time in which it was written and likewise, the events of the world shape the ideas of prominent writers of the day. In actuality, literature and history are so intermingled that it is often difficult to determine which is the chicken and which is the egg. Nevertheless, the debate is not the essential element. Instead, focus should be placed on understanding that a connection between the two does exist. A clear example of this connection between literature and history can be found in colonial America in 1774.

A new reality hit the world head on in 1774. With 1773's Boston Tea Party fresh in the minds of everyone, the entire world realized life could not go on as usual. A monumental statement had been made by the citizens of Boston, and the message they dumped into the ocean is that they would no longer stand for "taxation without representation" (Boston 112). With this stance facing the British government in early 1774, Parliament took action. Not only were all Boston ports closed, but also the Coercive Acts were passed. Outraged colonists believed the Acts were a tell-tale sign which proved Britain's plan of the "long-plotted conspiracy" against the colonies (Johnson 143).

At this time a young politician from Virginia accurately analyzed the situation from an American perspective in detail, and his pamphlet, A Summary View of the Rights of British Americans, was read throughout the colonies. The author, Thomas Jefferson, courageously denies all parliamentary authority over America and that the colonists can emancipate themselves from royal supremacy by exerting man's right, given by nature, to leave a country "in which chance, not choice had placed them" (337). Establishing himself as a great thinker of men, Jefferson insists the "kings are the servants, not he proprietors of the people" (338). This was a new line of thinking for colonial Americans, as Britain's authoritarian position stems from her long time fear: the rule of law.

Through his writing, Jefferson influences dominant motifs in the Revolutionary struggle. His first concept is the primacy of man's individual rights. Using this idea, Jefferson focuses on life and liberty as gifts from God, and that although Parliament may attempt to destroy them, Parliament can not divide them. Life and liberty go hand in hand according to Jefferson.

Not only does Jefferson assert a connection between life and liberty, but he also applies his assertion to the political realm when he links it to the idea of popular sovereignty. Conceptually believing in this link, the American colonists accept Jefferson's strong, clear basis as a reason for action.

By using Jefferson's writings as a fundamental idea, colonial America was forever changed. A congress of colonial leaders met in Philadelphia between September and October of 1774. From the meeting in Carpenters Hall, a brand new political consensus formed: An American unity began to develop. As the conference was adjourned, Patrick Henry stood and dramatically stated, "I am not a Virginian, but an American" (Johnson 149). And with Henry's words which were based on Jefferson's writings, the colonists began to envision freedom from tyranny.

The new ideas in America brought new realities. Lives changed during this transitional period between British reign and American freedom. Whether these changes were largely influenced by Jefferson's writings, or whether the happenings of the world inspired Jefferson to write A Summary View of the Rights of British America is not the primary concern. Instead, the importance in that Jefferson's pamphlet and the new reality of America were interconnected so much so, that which is the original influence is really not significant.

Works Cited

"Boston Tea Party." The New Lexicon Webster's Dictionary. 3rd ed. 1993. 112.

Jefferson, Thomas. Introduction. "The Autobiography of Thomas Jefferson." The Norton Anthology of American Literature. Ed. Nina Baym. New York: Norton, 1995. 337-339.

Johnson, Paul. A History of the American People. New York: Harper, 1997. 142-149.