Why Did The American Colonies Want Independence

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The spread of armed conflict and the explanation offered in Common Sense convinced patriots that it was time to declare independence. The Common Sense had an important impact on the debate over declaring independence from Britain. On July 2, 1776, representatives from twelve colonies approved the Declaration, with only New York holding out. New York finally approved for their independence on July 19th, which it was signed on August 2nd. Independence was publicly proclaimed on July 4th when the Declaration was published as a broadside to be make known throughout the colonies, although the act was identical to disloyalty. The representatives also appointed a five-man committee including Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Roger Sherman, Benjamin Franklin, and Robert R. Livingston to…show more content…
The British was taxing the colonists without anyone representing them, which resulted in the main reason why colonies wanted independence. The Stamp Act and The Townshend Acts were not there for the purpose of regulating trade, but they were there to collect taxes from the thirteen colonies. The American colonists were able to confirm an alliance with the Government of France and obtain French assistance in the war against Great Britain. By issuing the Declaration of Independence, the thirteen American colonies severed political connections to Great Britain. The Declaration of Independence states that the authority to govern belongs to the people, rather than to kings, that all people are created equal and have rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Great Britain and the American colonies had been at war for over a year. John Hancock was the President of the Continental Congress at the time of the signing. The colonies were being charged large amounts of money because they were an ocean away and did not have anyone representing them in Parliament. The American colonies could not declare war against the
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