Which of the following was not a reason the colonists fought the British?

The choice regarding restricted access to the Mississippi River stands out because it was not a significant factor in the reasons the colonists fought against British rule during the American Revolution. The primary grievances cited by the colonists included issues like "taxation without representation," which highlighted their objection to being taxed by a government in which they had no political voice. The British military presence invoked fear and resentment, as standing armies were associated with oppression. Furthermore, the desire for independence was a fundamental driving force behind the revolution, as colonists sought to break away from British control to establish their own governance.

In contrast, while access to the Mississippi River was important for trade and commerce, it was not one of the core reasons identified as a motivating factor in the revolt against British authority. The grievances leading to war were more focused on self-governance, economic control, and civil liberties rather than specific territorial concerns regarding the river.