u/MrMercury13

Hello,

I have recently been introduced to the podcast, and one of the things that drew me to Tom and Dom as I listened was their willingness to delve into the nuances of the facts about history. As an American, the episodes on Washington and Franklin were so interesting in this regard.

In light of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, I have been inspired to learn more about the American Revolution. One of the things that recently shook my understanding of it was learning about the Proclamation of 1763 imposed on the colonists. I honestly don't know if I just didn't pay attention in history class or if they just never taught it, because I had never heard of this before. Ken Burns in the interview with Dominic even said it was the primary cause of the revolution. Since listening to a few more podcasts, YouTube videos, and the like, I have some questions:

1.) Is it accurate to say that the desire to expand across the Appalachians into native land was the primary reason for the revolution, not taxation as is the dominant narrative in the US?

2.) I have heard that the grievances of the Declaration of Independence are ordered by importance, and that the final grievance, about King George III aiding the "merciless Indian Savages", was placed last in order to signify the most egregious, tyrannical offense by the King against the colonists. Googling this one, I couldn't find anything to back it up, but I feel like I have heard it at least three times in the last few days from various sources, so I wanted to see if there is any substantial truth to it. Is this an accepted interpretation of the grievances of the Declaration?

3.) Was the interest to expand across the Appalachians shared by the common folk of the colonies, or was it merely the aristocratic class (Washington, Jefferson, and the like) who wished to continue their speculation into the West?

If you have any supplemental sources to look into to find out more, please let me know. Thanks in advance.