- Colonist sought to break free from British political control and establish a system of self-governance. They believe that the British government and Parliament were treating them unfairly and without proper representation.
2) Economic Independence:
- Colonists wanted to have control over their trade, taxation, and economic policies. They resented British trade regulations that restricted their commerce with other countries.
3) Defense of Rights and Liberties:
- Colonists were influenced by the Enlightenment ideas of individual rights and freedoms. They sought to protect their rights as British citizens, such as the right to a fair trial, freedom of speech, and religious liberty.
4) Resistance to taxation without representation:
- One of the main grievances of the colonists was that they were being taxed by the British government without having a say in how those taxes were spent. They believed that this was a violation of their rights as British citizens.
5) Grievances against the British government:
- The colonists had a number of specific grievances against the British government, such as the presence of British troops in the colonies, the restriction of colonial trade, and the lack of colonial representation in the British Parliament.
6) Desire for a republican form of government:
- Many colonist admired the republican form of government of ancient Rome and Greece, which emphasized citizen participation and the rule of law. They sought to establish a similar form of government in the colonies.
7) Influence of the Enlightenment:
- The Enlightenment, an intellectual movement that emphasized reason, individualism, and political and economic freedom, had a profound influence on the colonists. These ideals fueled the colonists' desire for liberty and self-determination.
8) Patriotism and Colonial Identity:
- A growing sense of patriotism and a shared colonial identity developed among the colonists, fueled by their experiences of living together and facing common challenges. This sense of collective identity fostered unity and determination in their struggle against British authority.
9) Inspiration from the English Bill of Rights:
- The English Bill of Rights (1689) provided a significant inspiration for the colonists. It outlined fundamental rights and liberties, including the right to free speech, assembly, and the consent of the governed, which the colonists sought to incorporate into their own political systems.
10) Impact of the French and Indian War:
- The French and Indian War (1754-1763) had significant implications for the colonies. The high costs of the war, coupled with the increased presence of British troops, intensified tensions and heightened the colonists' desire for autonomy and control over their own affairs.