Why did the colonists fight the British?

The primary reason the colonists fought the British was in response to high taxes imposed by the British government without granting the colonists representation in Parliament. This situation fostered a strong sense of injustice and resentment among the colonists, who believed they should not be taxed without their consent. Key events that fueled this conflict included the Stamp Act and the Townshend Acts, which collectively increased the financial burden on the colonists and ignited protests. The rallying cry of "no taxation without representation" became a central theme in the American Revolution, highlighting the desire for self-governance and fairness in taxation. This discontent over taxation ultimately culminated in the colonists declaring independence and fighting for their rights against what they viewed as an oppressive regime.

Other reasons, like land expansion, were factors that played a role in colonial life, but they were not principal motivators for the revolution itself. Similarly, the desire to establish a monarchy is contrary to the colonists’ ultimate goal of creating a democratic government. Promoting trade was also important but less critical than the issues surrounding taxation and representation that directly led to the conflict.