Events leading up to the Revolutionary War and the Declaration of Independence in 1776, including resentment of British rule, excessive taxes, no representation in British government, and a desire for greater liberty.

This is really pretty much a quick blow-off essay about the American colonist's reasons for breaking ties with England (if you couldn't tell from the title) If anyone could think of a more snappy title, I'd be VERY greatful... my creative juices just aren't flowing today!

Harsh rules, acts, and actions on Great Britain's part led the American colonists to feel violated and angered. Continued enforcement of freedom-tightening regulations against the colonists led to boycotts and various rebellions against the king and Parliament. The growth of the colonies' political and economic strength, along with the Britain's unwillingness to respond to the boycotts, made the Revolutionary War inevitable.

While Americans take pride in deafeating the British on their own, to gain independence free from British rule, the colonies required the aid of the French. Had France not secretly been supplying aid to the Americas, followed by an open declaration of war on Britain, the British may have well kept control of the colonies and expanded their control to the French West Indies.

Some historians argue that the British lost the Revolutionary War more than the Colonists won it. That's because the the British had overwhelming wealth, numbers of soldiers and naval power. But the colonists had the military genius of George Washington on their side and the soldiers were patriots willing to die for their country. The colonists had more to gain from the war then the British had to lose.