Unfair Taxation: The British imposed various taxes on the American colonies, such as the Stamp Act of 1765 and the Townshend Acts of 1767, without their consent or representation in the British Parliament. These taxes were perceived as unjust by the colonists and sparked resistance and protests.
Lack of Colonial Representation: The American colonies were not represented in the British Parliament and had no say in the laws and policies that affected their lives. This led to a sense of political oppression and a desire for self-governance.
Colonists' Rights and Freedoms: The colonists believed in the principles of liberty, individual rights, and self-determination, which they felt were being violated by British rule. They sought greater control over their local affairs and more say in their government.
Desire for Independence: As the colonists' sense of identity and unity grew, they began to desire independence from Great Britain and the establishment of a new nation based on their own ideals and principles.
Conflict Over Western Lands: The British government issued the Proclamation of 1763, which restricted colonial expansion westward. Colonists who had already settled or were interested in settling in the western lands were upset by this proclamation, as it limited their access to land and economic opportunities.
Coercive Acts: After the Boston Tea Party in 1773, the British Parliament passed the Coercive Acts, also known as the Intolerable Acts, in response. These acts further limited the colonists' rights and increased tensions between the colonies and Great Britain.