Why did the colonists fight the British? — Answer & Explanation

Official Question & Answer

Question

Why did the colonists fight the British?

✦ OFFICIAL ANSWER ✦

Because of high taxes (taxation without representation); the British army stayed in their houses (boarding, quartering); they didn't have self-government

Why This Is the Answer

The colonists fought the British because of high taxes (taxation without representation), because British soldiers stayed in their homes, and because they didn't have self-government.

The core issue was representation — colonists paid British taxes but had no vote in Parliament. 'No taxation without representation' became the rallying cry of the Revolution.

Events like the Stamp Act, Boston Tea Party, and Boston Massacre pushed tensions to the breaking point, leading to the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

💡 Interview Tip

Pick one: 'Because of high taxes' or 'taxation without representation.'

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