Final answer:
The colonists went from considering themselves British subjects to developing an American identity due to perceived inequalities, lack of representation, and a growing sense of self-determination, which was solidified after the American Revolution.
Step-by-step explanation:
The colonists initially considered themselves British subjects and embraced their identity as part of the British Empire, politically, militarily, and religiously. During this period, though the colonists shared economic ties with Britain through the mercantile system, a sense of an American identity began to take shape. This shift occurred as colonists realized they were perceived as lesser by their British counterparts, lacked representation, and faced an increasing desire for self-determination. Intellectual trends, religious developments, and material uniformity due to the consumer culture brought on by imports further developed this sense of identity. Ultimately, the American Revolution marked the final transformation from British subjects to Americans, identifying more closely with their individual colonies such as Virginians, Pennsylvanians, and Georgians, leading to an American identity that would continue to evolve up to and beyond the Civil War.