An idea

It occurred to me that the problems between England and her North American colonies are very similar to a couple breaking up. As of 1763, each was very happy with other but aware of certain difficulties and differences in outlook. American suspicions were confirmed by the Sugar and Stamp Acts, things that were done without consulting the colonies but the colonies would have to pay for. Kind of like the wife buying a new car without asking her husband first. It may be necessary but he will have to pay for it. No sooner does that blow over when she does it again: new kitchen makeover that costs some serious ducats. Again, it may have been necessary but she doesn't ask, she just goes ahead and does it and her poor hard-working husband will have to pay for it. The arguments ensue, the silences, longer and longer periods separated, then maybe sleeping in separate bedrooms. Apology given and received but the damage is done.

Then the Townshend Acts, a transparent attempt to raise revenue. Just like a new purchase under the guise of being really necessary. Again, protests/arguments ensue. Boycotts begin. The couple is no longer speaking to each other. If they do, it is in anger, often shouting. They are no longer communicating but reacting to each other's anger. Then it happens, the Boston Massacre and bloodshed. One could say that both overreacted. She makes a sneering remark, he responds even more nastily, she throws the phone at him, he throws a punch and breaks her nose. Police are called, an arrest made. Probation, restraining order, anger management. Things calm down, both are frightened by the sudden escalation to physical violence.

Time passes and then another purchase (or similar selfish act). This time he throws all her clothes out on the front lawn while she is at the mall. She goes to a real shark lawyer and he drops the hammer on the husband: restraining order, frozen bank account, investigator digging into the husband's past, the whole nine yards. Poor guy can't make a move without being shadowed or having another motion filed by her attorney. So the Mr. gets his own lawyer, files his own motions, tells his own side of the story. The two sides are beyond reconciliation, it is war in court, no quarter given or taken, winner take all.

Each side has a story to tell, a point of view. Each believes they are completely justified in all their actions. Each believes they will win. So think of the countdown to the American Revolution like a marriage on the downhill slope.