Declaration of Independence History
By the mid-18th century, tensions between the American colonies and Great Britain had escalated due to various factors, including taxation without representation, restrictive trade practices, and increasing military presence. The situation deteriorated further after events like the Boston Tea Party in 1773 and the subsequent Coercive Acts in 1774, which were perceived as punitive measures against the colonies.
Initially numerous settlers pursued increased self-governance within the British Empire instead of complete separation. Nevertheless as disputes escalated reaching a peak with violent clashes at Lexington and Concord In April 1775 the demand for separation gained traction.