U.S. Citizenship Civics TestColonial Period and IndependenceEasy
During the American Revolution, what was a primary reason the colonists fought for independence from Great Britain?
- ATo gain religious freedom and escape persecution.
- BTo expand their territorial claims into Canada.
- CTo protest taxation without representation.
- DTo establish a new monarchy in America.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. To protest taxation without representation.
The core grievance of the colonists was that they were being taxed by the British Parliament without having any elected representatives to voice their interests, leading to the slogan 'No Taxation Without Representation'.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. While religious freedom was a reason some initially came to America, it was not the primary cause of the American Revolution.
- B. Territorial expansion was not the main reason for fighting the British in the Revolution; the focus was on self-governance.
- D. The colonists sought to establish a republic, not a new monarchy.
Taxation Without Representation
A key grievance of the American colonists against British rule, arguing that it was unjust to be taxed by a government in which they had no elected representatives.
- Central to the American Revolution.
- Fueled calls for self-governance.
- Led to protests like the Stamp Act Congress.
Memory trick: Taxed by King, no say, so they broke away!