Q This discussion addresses the following outcome: • Identify Britain’s colonial policies in the 1700s after the French and Indian War and consider how these and other factors contributed to shifting American views on independence and led to the American Revolution (CO#2, CO#3) The path to revolution was not inevitable but was affected by a variety of factors. Even if the American colonists had developed a sense of themselves as distinct from Britain, including their own “American” political institutions, for the most part their identity as part of the British Empire was beyond question. Sparked by the colonial wars of the 1700s, Britain’s attempts to revise its colonial possessions catalyzed a growing American identity that fostered the American Revolution. Before beginning this discussion, make sure to read the Module Notes, Section V–VII of Chapter 4: “Colonial Society (Links to an external site.)” and Chapter 5: “The American Revolution (Links to an external site.)” in The American Yawp, and the following primary sources: Thomas Paine Calls for American Independence, 1776, Abigail and John Adams Converse on Women's Rights, 1776, and Declaration of Independence, 1776. Using the primary and secondary source materials above as evidence, consider the following in a post of at least 250 words: • What do you think were the top three American grievances against the British Empire before the outbreak of Revolution? Rank them in order of importance and explain your rationale. • How do the primary sources articulate the ideals of the Revolution, including the grievances against the British Empire and conceptions of liberty? Then, over the course of the week, respond to the posts of at least two of your classmates who focused on different grievances than you. Your initial post is due by Thursday at 11:59PM. Your responses are due by Sunday at 11:59PM. Consult the Discussion Posting Guide for information about writing your discussion posts. It is recommended that you write your post in a document first. Check your work and correct any spelling or grammatical errors. When you are ready to make your initial post, click on "Reply." Then copy/paste the text into the message field, and click "Post Reply." This is a “post first” discussion forum. You must submit your initial post before you can view other students’ posts. To respond to a peer, click “Reply” beneath her or his post and continue as with an initial post.