Hello and welcome to a history of the United States. Episode 142. Common sense. When the War of American

Independence broke out in April 1775, it's worth remembering that no one at the time realized

it was a war of independence. While historians can point to key moments in the build-up to the

revolution that there were signs at the times, most notably the Stamp Act protests, the path

was not yet assured. Yet, within 15 months of Lexington and Concord, the Americans would make a declaration of independence.

While we focused so far on what happened in North America, namely the Patriot capture of Boston

and the failed invasion of Canada, but much of the ultimate break was to do with events in

prison. We last left Britain, sending

word to gauge that he should crush the rebel forces in Massachusetts. Then, on May 29,

1775, three days into Parliament's summer break, word reached London of events in Lexington and Concord.

It soon became clear this was not an isolated incident, but an event of massive proportions,

although this was apparently not evident to King George and Lord North.

Parliament was not reconvened for five months until October,

when the government finally asked for funds to meet the growing crisis.

Supplies and troops were sent across the Atlantic, sure, but the lack of immediate British action seems bizarre

in retrospect. The British public's reaction to events was at first mused, but news of Patriot

victories came over the following months, and voices arguing for repression grew stronger.

When the king opened Parliament on October the 26th, 1775, he proclaimed,

The rebellious war now levied, is become more general, and is manifestly carried on for the purpose of establishing an independent empire.

Critics of the North Ministry called for Parliament to condemn the King's speech. They recognised

that most Americans did not want independence and they should use the Olive Branch petition, which had been sent

by Congress, to open negotiations. Instead, both houses voted by two to one to support the war

...