* Taxation without representation: The British Parliament imposed taxes on the colonists without allowing them to have any say in their government. The colonists saw this as a violation of their rights as English citizens.
* Economic Exploitation: The British enforced restrictive trade policies that limited the economic growth of the colonies for the benefit of British merchants.
* Lack of Self-Governance: The colonists resented being ruled by a distant government that didn't understand their needs and concerns. They sought greater autonomy and control over their local affairs.
2. Enlightenment Ideals:
The colonists were heavily influenced by the Enlightenment thinking coming from across the Atlantic (mainly by figures like John Locke), philosophies stressing natural rights, government by consent, limited government, separation of powers, and democracy:
* Declaration of Independence: In July 1776, the Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence, written primarily by Thomas Jefferson. This foundational document set out the arguments for independence and established the guiding principles of the new nation.
3. The American Revolution (1775-1783):
* Conflict escalation caused several Battles (Lexington and Concord in 1775) with growing discontent. After 8 years of bloodshed, they eventually succeeded defeating the British, securing their liberty, and obtaining international recognition as an independent nation in 1783 and creating a republic form of government.