Why did the colonists fight the British?

The primary motive for the colonists in their fight against the British was largely influenced by grievances related to high taxes and the lack of self-government. Throughout the years leading up to the American Revolution, the British government imposed various taxes on the colonies, such as the Stamp Act and the Townshend Acts, without giving them representation in Parliament. This gave rise to the well-known rallying cry, "No taxation without representation." The feeling of being governed by a distant authority that did not consider their interests fostered a strong desire for self-governance and autonomy.

This context is crucial because, while the quest for independence is a significant theme of the American Revolution, the immediate triggers and sentiments among the colonists were heavily rooted in their experiences with taxation and governance. The desire for land ownership and the issue of slavery were present in early American discussions but were not central to the initial reasons for rebellion against British rule at that time. The focus on high taxes and lack of political rights truly encapsulated the sentiments that united the colonists in their fight for a more representative government.