Causes of the American Revolution

The American Colonies and Britain#

By the mid-1700s, the thirteen American colonies were well-established communities stretching along the Atlantic coast from New Hampshire to Georgia. Though they were part of the British Empire, the colonists had developed their own way of life — and increasingly, their own sense of identity.

The Colonial Relationship#

The thirteen colonies were officially under the rule of the British Crown (the king) and Parliament (the British legislature). Britain governed trade, foreign policy, and defense. In exchange, the colonies received protection and access to British trade networks.

For much of the colonial period, Britain practiced 'salutary neglect' — largely leaving the colonies to govern themselves in local matters through their own assemblies. This allowed a tradition of self-governance to develop.

After the French and Indian War#

The French and Indian War (1754–1763) was a conflict in North America fought between Britain (with colonial allies) and France. Britain won — but at enormous financial cost. Britain had accumulated massive war debt and believed the colonies should help pay for their own defense.

Starting in the 1760s, Parliament began imposing new taxes on the colonies to raise revenue. This marked a sharp change from the previous policy of neglect — and it ignited colonial resentment.

A Growing Colonial Identity#

By the 1760s, many colonists thought of themselves as Americans, not simply as British subjects. They had built thriving communities, developed democratic traditions through their assemblies, and felt capable of managing their own affairs.

When Britain suddenly tightened control and raised taxes, many colonists felt their rights as citizens were being violated — particularly their right to have a say in laws that affected them.