Based on this document, what can you infer about what life was like in
the colonies in the 1770s?

Document:

My Friends and Countrymen,

This howling wilderness has been converted into a flourishing and
populous country. But, is this not due to the way in which the
colonies have been treated from the beginning? Isn’t our growth a
result of Great Britain’s willingness to encourage our industry and
protect us from foreign countries? If so, surely some degree of
gratitude, such as becomes a free and liberal people, would be
appropriate.

The peace and security we have already enjoyed under Great
Britain’s protection, before the mistaken system of taxation took
place, must make us look back with regret to those happy days
whose loss we mourn, and which every rational man must consider
as the golden age of America.

Let us then, my friends and countrymen, be patient and avoid all
inflammatory publications that are disrespectful to our most gracious
Sovereign. Let us look forward to a happy termination of our present
disputes, and a cordial reconciliation with our mother country.