Analysis Of 'A Calm Address To Our American Colonies'

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In the reading of A Calm Address to our American Colonies, Wesley analyses all the arguments the colonies have to be upset with England and counter argues them. In the beginning, he addresses the fact that they say they can't be taxed without representation, yet he himself also has no representation in the government but still pays taxes. Another point he makes is their hypocrisy in saying they are slaves without votes when the real slaves are the ones at their sides getting whipped who truly do not have any rights and are considered property.
After this he goes on to list all the grievances the colonies have by number and points out the flaw in each argument. One argument he makes is that the colonies sought out England for protection in the war and were glad for their help up until they had to help contribute towards the expenses. England imposed one small tax on the colonies to pay for their expenses, and in turn the colonies go into an uproar, which is unreasonable to say the least. Towards the end he makes another important counterargument, which is that the colonies say they never agreed to get taxed or give their …show more content…

His writing makes a reader doubt the veracity of the American Revolution and the right of the colonies to fight for independence. Personally, my perspective changed and I no longer saw England as some tyrant power who tried to strip the colonies of their rights and taxed them unjustly. I began to see how England’s actions were justified and my patriotism took a blow. England clearly had a right to tax, as is evidenced by the charter and especially because the taxes were for expenses racked up for the protection of the colonies in the French and Indian War. Overall, Wesley makes a very convincing argument that the colonies are acting irrationally and unreasonably, which makes you wonder whether one should be proud of America’s “honorable” fight for

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