The change from loyalty to revolution among the American colonists happened for a few important reasons:
No Taxation Without Representation: The British government put taxes on the colonies without asking them first. The Stamp Act in 1765 and the Townshend Acts in 1767 were especially hated. Colonists protested, saying these taxes took away their rights.
Money Problems: The Sugar Act of 1764 and other taxes made life harder for colonists financially. For example, the Stamp Act was meant to bring in $1 million every year, adding more costs for colonists who were already struggling.
Important Events: The Boston Massacre in 1770, where British soldiers shot and killed five colonists, made more people angry against Britain. The Boston Tea Party in 1773 was another big event where colonists rebelled against the Tea Act by throwing $1.7 million worth of tea into the harbor.
New Ideas: Thoughts from the Enlightenment about freedom, rights, and self-rule started to spread. Pamphlets by people like Thomas Paine, especially one called "Common Sense," encouraged people to want independence.
Groups Forming to Fight Back: Groups like the Sons of Liberty were created to stand against British rules, getting more people to support the idea of revolution. By 1776, about 40-50% of colonists were in favor of independence, leading to a big shift away from loyalty to Britain.
The change from loyalty to revolution among the American colonists happened for a few important reasons:
No Taxation Without Representation: The British government put taxes on the colonies without asking them first. The Stamp Act in 1765 and the Townshend Acts in 1767 were especially hated. Colonists protested, saying these taxes took away their rights.
Money Problems: The Sugar Act of 1764 and other taxes made life harder for colonists financially. For example, the Stamp Act was meant to bring in $1 million every year, adding more costs for colonists who were already struggling.
Important Events: The Boston Massacre in 1770, where British soldiers shot and killed five colonists, made more people angry against Britain. The Boston Tea Party in 1773 was another big event where colonists rebelled against the Tea Act by throwing $1.7 million worth of tea into the harbor.
New Ideas: Thoughts from the Enlightenment about freedom, rights, and self-rule started to spread. Pamphlets by people like Thomas Paine, especially one called "Common Sense," encouraged people to want independence.
Groups Forming to Fight Back: Groups like the Sons of Liberty were created to stand against British rules, getting more people to support the idea of revolution. By 1776, about 40-50% of colonists were in favor of independence, leading to a big shift away from loyalty to Britain.