Identify common themes between the American Revolution and the English Revolution

The English Revolution of 1688-1689 witnessed the abdication of King James II, the acceptance of the throne by William and Mary and the passing of the English Bill of Rights. Conversely, the American Revolution of 1775-1783 was a conflict between the 13 U.S. colonies and Britain which resulted in American independence. While these two events may appear very different, they do share some similarities:

1. Both revolutions had financial causes. For the English, the ability of...

The English Revolution of 1688-1689 witnessed the abdication of King James II, the acceptance of the throne by William and Mary and the passing of the English Bill of Rights. Conversely, the American Revolution of 1775-1783 was a conflict between the 13 U.S. colonies and Britain which resulted in American independence. While these two events may appear very different, they do share some similarities:

1. Both revolutions had financial causes. For the English, the ability of the king to raise taxes without the consent of Parliament was a major issue; while in America, Britain's repeated taxation of the colonists had caused widespread anger and protest.


2. Both England and America viewed their king as a tyrant. In England, the revolution was a struggle between Parliament and James II. In America, the colonists believed that George III treated them unfairly.


3. Both revolutions had the character of a civil war. The English Revolution was, in fact, preceded by the Civil War of 1642-1649. Similarly, in America, the two warring sides both spoke the same language, adhered to the same culture and were united by the same empire.