According to historian Pauline Maier in Liberty, the great paradox that needs to be explained is: A.) That despite the warnings from Parliament, colonists did not understand that their actions would lead to a revolution and this was owing to the difficulty in communication.

B.) How in a mere thirteen years, colonists went from being proudly and optimistically British to declaring their independence and that they did was unexpected to all who lived during that time.

C.) That abolitionists in the northern colonies would united with slave holders in the southern colonies to fight for independence and the natural rights of man.

D.) That the elites were in charge of seeking independence and forced the working classes to join in the effort against their will and interests