Why did the thirteen colony focus all the blame on King George rather than Parliament?

Answer 1

If you begin with the Declaration of Independence it may appear that the colonists' criticisms were all aimed at King Geroge. But, in fact, that was not at all the case!

Indeed for many years it was quite the opposite! The colonists specifically blamed Parliament and the King's advisors and NOT King George himself. While they were defying laws passed by the Parliament and arguing that this body did not have the RIGHT to levy various taxes (remember "no taxation without representation"!) they argued that they were bound NOT to Parliament but to the KING (in a concept that sounds very much like the later basis for the British Commonwealth!)

Even in the summer of 1775 members of the Second Continental Congress were trying to appeal directly to the King with their "Olive Branch Petition". (Read it, it is dripping with expressions of devotion to their king --http://ahp.gatech.edu/olive_branch_1775.html )

The shift only took place when King George rejected their petition and instead formally declared the colonies to be in a state of rebellion and made it treason for anyone in Britain to aid them. (August 23, 1775). They were further disillusioned by his acts of prohibiting all trade with the colonies and ordering the seizing of their ships.
http://patriotpost.us/histdocs/timeline.htm

But I believe the first formal resolution AGAINST the King --not just Parliament-- was not issued until May of 1776
http://www.crf-usa.org/Foundation_docs/Foundation_lesson_declaration.htm

(see text: http://http-server.carleton.ca/~pking/docs/docs76.htm#1)

Of course, since their previous position had been that their allegiance was to the KING, when it came time to formally declare independence and to write up the REASONS for taking this step (the latter was the purpose of the Declaration of Independence), it only made sense to focus their argument on HIS acts more than Parliament's.

Answer 2

First of all, most English colonist's living in the 13 original colonies considered themselves Englishmen, with all the rights and privilidges of Englishmen. Parliament, however, refused representation by the colonies in their legislature. Secondly, Parliament tried to pay for English army and naval support that was sent to North America to fight the French in the French & Indian War, by laying taxes upon goods sent to the American colonies. The Americans refused to pay their fair share during the F&I War, so Parliament tried to get the money back with taxes enforced upon paper goods, sugar (The Sugar Act), and especially tea (The Tea Act). Finally, King George III considered America to be his personal possession, one that he did not have to consult Parliament on any legal or foriegn matter. The King revoked Royal Charters (Massachussets), prorogued the assemblies and legislatures of the colonies, and refused ambassadors from the colonies to discuss the situation. Also, the Declaration of Independence is a List of Grievances against the English Crown NOT the Parliment.

Answer 3

For the same reason(s) that President Bush gets blamed and our Congress does not. He considered the leader and has to take responsibility for what this country does. King George had to take responsibility for how he lead his country.

Answer 4

Same reason we focus on President vs Congress. Always easier to grasp/vilify 1 person.

Answer 5

Dave Johnson and Mike Williams asked the same question. You should read the answers side by side.

Answer 6

This is puzzling to me too