The Revolutionary War lasted nearly eight years, largely because King George refused to surrender the colonies. When the Treaty of Paris was signed in 1783, he considered abdicating. In many ways, George ruled England as he did the colonies, with punishment meted out for perceived disloyalty.
The colonies declared their independence in July 1776, listing grievances against the British king and legislature while asking the support of the populace. ... George III is often accused of obstinately trying to keep Great Britain at war with the revolutionaries in America, despite the opinions of his own ministers.