Why did the colonists fight the British?

The colonists fought the British primarily because of high taxes. This resentment stemmed from several acts imposed by the British Parliament, such as the Stamp Act and the Townshend Acts, which levied taxes on everyday items and services without granting the colonists representation in Parliament. The phrase "No taxation without representation" became a rallying cry, highlighting the colonists' belief that they should not be taxed by a government in which they had no voice.

While land rights, trade restrictions, and the notion of spreading democracy were relevant issues that contributed to the overall dissatisfaction with British rule, the specific catalyst for widespread revolt was the series of tax policies that were perceived as unfair and exploitative. Therefore, the struggle against taxation played a crucial role in uniting the colonies and igniting the desire for independence.