Final answer:
Initial colonial pride as British subjects faded as resentment grew over taxes, inadequate parliamentary representation, and measures such as the Intolerable Acts. The First Continental Congress marked a turning point in the pushback against British authority, but opinions on how to proceed were divided among the colonists.
Step-by-step explanation:
Colonial Feelings Towards Britain
Initially, the sense of shared identity between the American colonies and Great Britain was strong, especially following shared victories like the French and Indian War. This sense of pride and unity began to erode due to measures such as the Sugar and Stamp Acts, which imposed internal taxes and raised revenues. The escalation of tensions, aggravated by the perception of inadequate representation in the British Parliament, led to a growing desire for liberty and resistance among the colonists. The Intolerable Acts of 1774 marked a turning point, prompting the formation of the First Continental Congress and signaling the colonists' readiness to challenge British authority. Despite this, opinions were divided; some colonists, known as Loyalists, feared the consequences of rebellion and remained committed to the Crown. The British, on the other hand, were frustrated by the colonial reluctance to share the financial burden of the war and their ambitious westward expansion.