By 1770, many colonists believed that the British were plotting to destroy American liberty. In light of the discussion in your book, was this

By 1770, many colonists believed that the British were plotting to destroy American liberty. In light of the discussion in your book, was this conviction sustainable? What issues were prevalent in colonial society that might have cast some doubt on this belief? How might the British have defended themselves against the charge that they continually provoked the Americans by violating their rights? In addition, was the desire for liberty the only motivating factor behind the drive for colonial independence?