What was one reason the colonists sought independence?

The desire for independence among the colonists was significantly motivated by the principle of "taxation without representation." This phrase encapsulated the frustration of the colonists who were being taxed by the British Parliament without having any representatives in that legislative body to express their interests or grievances. The imposition of taxes, such as the Stamp Act and the Townshend Acts, ignited widespread dissent because the colonists believed it was unjust to be taxed without being able to participate in the decision-making process regarding those taxes. This demand for fair representation became a rallying cry in the fight for independence and was foundational in the ideological basis for the American Revolution.

In contrast, while it is true that some colonists may have sought land for various reasons, including westward expansion, it wasn't the central reason driving the larger independence movement. The movement was not focused on establishing a new religion, as there were already multiple religious practices present in the colonies, nor was it primarily about escaping the British monarchy, although dissatisfaction with monarchy played a role. However, the crux of the argument for independence was firmly rooted in the fight against unjust taxation practices and the lack of representation in government, making taxation without representation the pivotal issue for the colonists.