How Did Colonists Gain Independence

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The many ways that Britain ruled over the colonies eventually led to the war for independence. For over a century, the colonies had ruled themselves for the most part, and Britain had hardly interfered with the colonies. However, when the French and Indian War left Britain in debt, Parliament started to tax the colonists very harshly. This was seen as problematic from the colonies since Britain had never taxed them before, and had only paid colonial taxes. The colonies viewed this as “taxation without representation”, and were angered. Britain had taxed the colonists in numerous ways, which included the Tea Act (1763), the Sugar Act (1764), the Stamp Act (1765), the Declaratory Act (1766), the Townshend Acts (1767), and many more. This series of harsh laws was a new concept to the colonies, who protested. Since the colonies had originally governed themselves separately, the thirteen disagreed often and hardly united. The restrictions that Britain had placed on the colonies had united the colonies in a common cause. Eventually, a group of the colonists named the Sons of Liberty, created by merchants and laborers, dumped many chests of tea into Boston Harbor as an act of rebellion. In return, Parliament introduced the Coercion Acts (also known as Coercive Acts or …show more content…
Even after the Battle of Lexington and Concord, most of the colonists (and delegates) wanted peace among America and Britain. Congress’s solution to this problem was a draft of the Olive Branch Petition, which was their last attempt at peace. However, King George III rejected the petition. Now, the colonies acted. After a pamphlet written by Thomas Paine was published, residents of the colonies were ready for action. A weak but independent government sprung up from the Second Continental Congress. Out of this government, troops were gathered and this formed the Continental Army. George Washington was chosen to lead the
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