The two main political groups that existed in the colonies in the 1770s were the Patriots and the Loyalists. The Patriots did not want to be ruled by Great Britain. They wanted to succeed and form their own independent union. The Loyalists, on the other hand, wanted to stay part of Great Britain and wanted to remain British citizens.
The Patriots believed they were unfairly treated by Great Britain. They had to pay for the upkeep of the British Empire, but they did not have any say in its government. The Loyalists felt that they did not have the strength to fight the British government for their freedom. It was easier to just stay part of the British Empire.