What is the main cause of the present crisis and who is to blame?

Option 1

The American colonies were the main cause of the present crisis. They are to blame because they were the direct catalyst to the beginning of the French and Indian war, which was the cause of the mounting debt that the British had accumulated. This debt resulted in the British passing taxes to help pay for the cost, which the American people objected to. The people rejected the taxes and refused to pay them, and radicals, most originating from Boston and

Philadelphia, started rioting, tarring and feathering British officials, and boycotting British goods.

Option 2

The strained relationship between the Parliament and the colonial legislatures is the main cause of the present crisis. However, most of the blame lies on the colonies. While some of the members of Parliament were not fond of the colonies, most of the members share the concerns of the colonies. As well as this,  colonial legislatures behaved immaturely. During the French and Indian War, the legislatures contributed little to the war effort. The legislatures, when they rejected the stamp act, did not even propose a different method to earn money. Worst of all, the legislatures stated that their only allegiance was to the king and not to Parliament.

Option 3

The French and Indian War was a major cause of the present crisis. After this significant event, the colonists began to question the government and the system under which they governed. This ultimately led to the development of a "revolutionary" mindset, which includes the Radicals. The Radicals are responsible for much of the present unrest due to their spreading belief that the colonies require complete independence from Britain. This is a serious mistake, as "we would be alone in uncharted waters."

Prior to 1763, tyranny was out of the question. However, we have come to realize that Parliament's taxes reveal a pattern of tyranny "taxation without representation" is absolutely intolerable.

Option 4

Britain is to blame for the present crisis because it is the British who are undermining the colonists' natural rights and their rights as Englishmen. Britain never saw America as part of the British empire, rather, they viewed America as a source of unlimited money and resources. According to John Locke, the colonists have the right to overthrow the government if they are not being represented and not protecting their natural rights. Clearly, Britain does not protect those rights. Instead they exploit the colonists and pass laws not to better the colonies, but to enrich Britain.