American Revolution - Essay Example

American Revolution American Revolution started early 1775 (Wood 121); revolution was evoked by the dissatisfaction of the colonies with the treatment they got from Britain Empire. The Americans insisted that they are entitled to rights of Englishmen while the British wanted to have full control of the colonies and the parliament. The colonies however were independent in their own way of thinking because colonial legislatures were responsible of levying taxes and passing laws. These powers in the hands of the colonies had become rights in their colonies and thus when the British tried to curtail, conflict resulted. The fact that leaders of revolution were knowledgeable on issues such as social contracts, separation of powers, and consent of the governed, had a major impact on revolution. They had acquired the knowledge through studying famous writings such as those from john Locke, Baron de Montesquieu, Thomas Hobbes, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau (Meltzer 38) which encouraged them on the process of enlightenment. Locke’s theory for example influenced them by stating that a legitimate state authority should come from the people who are governed. The theory also holds that when the people governed are not satisfied with the government, it is their right to rise up and express their views (Meltzer 93). The Americans believed that they had equal rights; they got supporting ideologies of this belief from enlightenment leaders such as John Adams and Benjamin Franklin. The theories of these were based on religious beliefs which stated that all men are equal and that not even the kings have divine rights (Meltzer 217). The membership that the Americans had in the British Empire was earlier on accepted since it would provide more trading opportunities and commerce, promote political stability, and offer military protection (Wood 137). These benefits were slowly realized for some time, they came at few costs and the English government soon left the colonies alone to control their activities. The British took the opportunity to control external trade and it is at this point that the Americans felt that their rights are at risk. For instance, the introductions of Stamp Act affected trade; the Americans were required to pay tax stamps on items which were meant to pay for the defense they were enjoying from the British (Wood 74). The relationship of the British Empire and the American colonies began to look strained; it was characterized by fear and suspicion and the bond looked breakable. In 1763, the British Empire introduced new policies in the colonies, the policies dictated politics and international entities in the colonies. This brought a sharp contrast in the system of the colonies before the British came to America. This led to gradual crisis one after the other and the Americans were in this process getting disillusioned with the bond. In 1775, the level of tolerance had gone extremely low for all practical purposes (Wood 69) and the need to amend the situation was in great demand. The colonies were viewed primarily from the perspective of trading; the territories were seen as precious possession in their activities. The quest by the British to take and control these territories was thus taken as abuse of their right on properties. In addition, the proclamation which was made in 1763 by the British required that there should be no settlement further than the Appalachian Mountains. This further angered the Americans and they took it as offense. The Americans also believed that they were entitled to free trading with the world, this was hold close to their hearts as a natural right and there was no law restricting the exercise. The British introduced the navigation acts and the writs of assistance (Moor 99), which required merchants to trade on British ships in order to ensure duties are paid. The Americans were not used to this kind of trading and smugglers increased as traders tried to evade the duties (Moor 261). They traders could not take it anymore and they expressed their disapproval. They saw their rights trampled on, James Otis a Boston lawyer stood to challenge the Acts and stated that it was violating the constitutional rights of the Americans. Although he did not win the case, the performance incited the Americans to rebel against the trade policies by the British. When the British decided on new ways of generating money for the defense they give to the Americans, they came up with the sugar and molasses acts which required that for every gallon, a tax of three pence was to be paid (Moor 175). This new act struck the Americans as their economy started to undergo a down turn. The colonial leaders raised their voices on the issue and claimed "taxation without representation," (Moor 180), which meant that they were no member in the parliament to stand for their rights and interests. In conclusion, the road to American Revolution was prepared by the cry for the recognition of the basic rights of colonists which were gradually eroded by the British Empire. The rebel on the taxes was not that they were too high (Moor 283), it was because they were not informed when they were imposed. This indicated that the Americans were independent in their own thinking and revolution was unstoppable. The American Revolution seemed more of protest on taxation system imposed by the British; unlike other nations, the revolution was not in protest of other social evils which were common in other colonies. In fact the revolution was not seen as independence; rather, it was taken as a break loose of a relationship. Works cited Meltzer M. (2003) the American Revolutionaries: A History in Their Own Words 1750-1800. New York: NY. Palaver publishers Moor E. (2005). The American Revolution: A Constitutional Interpretation. London, Law book Exchange, Ltd. Wood G. (2002).The American Revolution: a history. United States, Modern Library publishers. CURRICULUM VITAE Annastacia Nyamai, P.O BOX 47-90137, Kibwezi. Phone: +254719243019 Email: nyamaiannastacia@gmail.com Nationality: Kenyan, D.O.B: (May, 1980), Marital Status: (Married), Religion: (Christian) Languages: English, French, Kiswahili. Objective Looking for an opportunity in management field to use skills, knowledge and experience in a proficient, equally useful and growth-oriented business environment. I seek for a position with a challenging environment that will present opportunities to demonstrate sound initiative and judgment on operational issues, leadership and professional issues within the spectra of my expertise while contributing to the organization’s short term and future success. Profile I am a highly motivated person and have proven to overcome business challenges and make decisions of high stake within high pressure and fast paced environments using strong work ethic, humor, innovation, using experienced backed judgment and irreproachable integrity. I am respected as a change agent, motivational proponent of empowerment and accountability and a lead by example. Professional Background A versatile and skilled sales/marketing professional with excellent hands-on experience in developing and improving sales in business management industry Academic qualification Nairobi University Ph D. in Strategic management Current Daystar University Masters in Business Computing (2009) Catholic University Bachelor of Science (BS) (2005) Alliance Girls High School Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (2000) Professional experience and other responsibilities 2005 to Present: Coca-Cola Enterprises: District Sales Manager (Nairobi) Key Responsibilities Supervise a team of seven Account Managers Foster business growth and development by monitoring sales and gross profit on quarterly basis. Conduct weekly staff meetings for sales team to deliver pertinent information that is critical to the business, review route status, update quarterly goals and sales activity, discuss new brand innovations, and provide administrative updates. Maintain highest level of customer satisfaction and strong business relationships. Work with community based organizations in support of urban development, youth empowerment and education. Engage in the staff development of Account Managers by conducting weekly route rides, sales calls, role plays, and monthly coaching and development performance reviews. Prepare monthly presentations for sales department to review business trends and opportunities. 2004-2005: Coca-Cola Enterprises: Business Development Representative (Nairobi) Key Responsibilities Develop new business within a specified territory. Follow-up on all leads for potential new business development, target non buy accounts and active accounts that have a decline in volume Present business building presentations to customers and marketing promotional programs as a means to increase sales. Provide customers with a high level of customer service to ensure satisfaction Visit top twenty-five customers within territory on a quarterly basis. Assist Account Managers with any issues that they encounter with customers who are non-compliant. Provide sponsorship assistance for Community based Organizations, Civic Groups, the Political Sector and Charitable Organizations. 2002-2004: Coca-Cola Enterprises: Account Manager (Nairobi) Key Responsibilities Developing and maintaining a customer base in specified work areas. Managing customer service queries and concerns on sales route to ensure a high level of customer satisfaction. Formulating and implementing business-building programs to increase sales volume. Maintaining inventory and company equipment within each account. Educating customers on gross profit earnings generated quarterly. Marketing corporate programs and enroll customers who meet the requirements. Tracking sales route projections on a monthly basis and develop strategies to increase sales volume from prior year. 2000-2002: Urban Visions, Inc. Marketing Consultant/ Assistant to President (Mombasa) Key Responsibilities Assisted President in the ongoing daily activities in order to maintain and satisfy the needs of all current clients in the area of Real Estate, Urban Development and Political Campaigns. Market the organization services to potential clients by attending social and political fundraising events. Maintained ongoing client database and produced weekly client status reports and monthly invoices. Maintained property management accounts for all real estate clients, recorded all client complaints and provided proper resolutions. This position enhanced my ability to create, develop and maintain solid business relationships with a high level of customer satisfaction. Worked in the management training program and was promoted after 2 years to the position of an assistant manager, I ran a collection unit with 10 collectors. In 1988, I was promoted to office manager which I ran a collection center with 38 collector and 12 support stalls. Referees Provided upon request Read More