Final Answer:
The colonists in America during the late 18th century were the sect of people for whom there was no alternative but independence.
Step-by-step explanation:
The period leading to the American Revolution in the late 18th century marked a crucial turning point for the colonists. The equation of independence had become inevitable due to several factors. Firstly, the increasing imposition of taxes by the British Parliament without colonial representation fueled resentment and a desire for self-governance among the colonists.
This situation culminated in events like the Stamp Act of 1765 and the Tea Act of 1773, which intensified the colonists' demand for autonomy. Secondly, the ideological influences of Enlightenment thinkers such as John Locke and Thomas Paine significantly contributed to the colonists' belief in natural rights and the idea that government should derive power from the consent of the governed. The concept of self-determination became ingrained in their collective consciousness, leading to a steadfast pursuit of independence.
Moreover, the series of conflicts between the British troops and the colonial militia, notably the Battles of Lexington and Concord in 1775, acted as catalysts, propelling the colonists further toward a definitive break from British rule. Additionally, the publication of influential documents like the Declaration of Independence in 1776 solidified the resolve of the colonists, articulating their reasons for seeking independence and publicly asserting their right to govern themselves. The combination of political, ideological, and military factors ultimately left the colonists with no viable alternative but to pursue and achieve independence, leading to the birth of the United States of America.