Final answer:
The American Revolution was instigated by complex political factors, including efforts by colonial elites to secure the same rights as British citizens, economic restrictions faced by merchants, and ideological commitments to anti-authoritarianism and liberty.
Step-by-step explanation:
Political Factors That Led to the American Revolution
The American Revolution was influenced by diverse factors, including economic factors, political, and ideological disputes. The consolidation of British control and restrictions imposed on the colonies stirred resistance amongst colonists desiring autonomy. Economic hardships were particularly relevant as the Continental Congress faced difficulties meeting financial obligations, and soldiers and their families suffered due to rampant inflation and shortages.
Colonial elites demanded the same rights as those in Britain and wanted to levy their taxes, significantly shaping the drive for independence. Contrastingly, merchants were opposed to British trade restrictions and taxes, seeking economic freedoms that the British constrained. Moreover, some colonists were resisting British limits on westward expansion and the appropriation of Native American lands.
Ideological influences, such as Whig politics and anti-authoritarian sentiments from the Glorious Revolution, played an essential role in shaping colonial attitudes towards liberty and governance. These multifaceted and intertwined factors culminated in the armed resistance that ultimately sparked the American Revolution.