The American Revolution was instigated by the colonists in the Thirteen Colonies who were primarily motivated by a desire for greater autonomy and self-government from the British rule. The colonists sought to establish their own political and economic systems, free from the control and regulations imposed by the British government and the British East India Company. Key grievances that fueled the revolution included taxation without representation, restrictions on trade, and the imposition of British policies that limited the colonists' rights and liberties. The colonists aimed to gain control over their own affairs, establish a representative form of government, and secure fundamental rights and freedoms.