Why did the colonists fight the British?

The primary reason the colonists fought the British revolved around their growing desire for independence from British rule, which was manifesting through various grievances. While some colonists were indeed upset about British troops being quartered in their homes—an issue that contributed to tensions—this was more a symptom of the larger conflict rather than the root cause.

The colonists faced numerous oppressive policies, such as high taxes imposed without representation in Parliament, which fueled discontent and the sense of injustice. Many colonists eventually came to see themselves as separate from British governance, culminating in a desire for complete independence, which was articulated in foundational documents like the Declaration of Independence.

Thus, the correct answer centers on the broader context of independence, encompassing various reasons including taxation without representation, restrictive laws, and the imposition of British military presence. This desire for sovereignty over their own governance and rights was a primary motivator for the conflict.