Final answer:
Colonists were compelled to fight against the British Monarchy due to oppressive laws, economic restrictions, and the influence of Enlightenment ideals about government obligation and personal liberty as explained by Thomas Paine in 'Common Sense'. The complexities of individual and collective motives intertwined, leading to widespread support for the American Revolution.
Step-by-step explanation:
Men and women from various backgrounds were willing to fight against the British Monarchy during the American Revolution for a multitude of reasons. The colonists saw British rule as increasingly oppressive, particularly in light of measures like the mandatory quartering of British soldiers, represented in the Declaration of Independence as one of many intolerable acts. Moreover, influences such as Thomas Paine's pamphlet Common Sense argued against the concept of hereditary monarchy, claiming that a government's primary duty is to its people and asserting that the British government had failed in that capacity. This resonated with colonists who had their own grievances regarding economic constraints, such as trade restrictions imposed by Britain, limiting growth and opportunity in the colonies.
Similarly, the promise of Enlightenment ideals like popular sovereignty and natural rights provided a philosophical underpinning that galvanized support for the revolution. Traditional narratives often emphasize colonists' desires for liberty and democratic achievements, although the reality was more complicated, with economic, political, and ideological motivations playing central roles. The prospect of personal freedom and property rights also spurred many to take up arms. Colonists sought to preserve their autonomy and to ensure their rights were equivalent to those enjoyed by British citizens, leading them to engage in acts of rebellion that ultimately culminated in the fight for independence.