Tyranny is Tyranny There are many ways to define tyranny. The Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary defines tyranny as “an arbitrary, despotic government; esp: rigorous, cruel and oppressive government.” Many people tend to associate the British with tyranny in relation to the Revolutionary War but perhaps that assumption needs a second glance. The British, up until 1763, governed the colonies through a policy of “salutary neglect.” Although they had strict trading laws in place, it was …showed first 75 words of 520 total…

…showed last 75 words of 520 total…time of the Revolutionary War can be fairly described as a tyranny. Their methods were so self-seeking that very few of the poorer classes felt any kinship to these oppressive leaders, furthering the disunity that had handicapped the colonies for so long. It was not until Patrick Henry’s eloquent speeches and Thomas Paine’s Common Sense that those with power found a way to reach the lower dregs of society and relieve class tensions.