Why was there an American Revolution?

1 Answer
Sep 9, 2017

Because of the British Empire and its unfair treatment of American colonists

Explanation:

Colonists wanted their independence and called George III a tyrant because he had implemented taxes for the colonies(to pay back the debts issued during the Seven Years' War against France between 1756-1763) despite the fact that they had no representation in the Westminster Parliament, this is what gave the slogan "No Taxation Without Representation".

Some historians have been critical of that interpretation and said the Revolution was led by an elite who defended their interests against the British Empire(Howard Zinn for instance). Though all Americans were affected by taxes, it is true that most Founding Fathers were from the wealthiest fraction of the colonial population.

The contestation of the 1763 Royal Proclamation which forbade the colonists to go west from the Appalachians is also one of the motives behind the insurrection since many colonists longed to steal Indian lands whereas the British monarchy preferred to have peaceful relationships with tribes.