Question

Why did the colonists end up declaring their independence from Britain? Trace the series of events, from the French and Indian War to the Battles of Lexington and Concord. Include details of at least four events in a paragraph of five to seven sentences.

A. High taxes and trade restrictions imposed by Britain led to economic hardship and frustration.
B. The colonists were motivated by a strong desire for British rule and unity.
C. The colonists declared independence due to the abundance of British support and assistance.
D. The colonists declared independence due to their strong allegiance to the British monarchy.

Answer 1

Option (D), Colonists declared independence from Britain due to increasing economic burdens from taxation without representation, restrictive laws, and the British military presence, culminating in armed conflict at Lexington and Concord.

Step-by-step explanation:

The colonists declared their independence from Britain due to a series of events and growing tensions that began with the end of the French and Indian War. In the aftermath, Britain sought to tax the colonists to pay for the war debts and utilized troops to enforce new laws. Events such as the imposition of the Stamp Act and Townshend Acts, which levied taxes without colonial representation, sparked outrage and cries of 'no taxation without representation'.

The introduction of the Coercive Acts, punishing Massachusetts for the Boston Tea Party, further inflamed relations. With British troops enforcing unpopular policies and the colonial desire for self-governance growing, clashes became inevitable. After confrontations at Lexington and Concord, the Second Continental Congress declared independence, marking the formal break and the beginning of the American Revolutionary War.