What was one of the main reasons colonists fought against the British?

The desire for self-government was a fundamental reason why colonists fought against British rule. The colonies were increasingly frustrated with being governed from a distance without having a direct say in the laws and policies that affected their daily lives. This lack of representation in the British Parliament, famously summarized by the phrase "no taxation without representation," fueled a strong desire among the colonists to establish their own governing bodies and make decisions independently.

The colonists believed that they had the right to govern themselves, develop their own laws, and determine their own futures, reflecting Enlightenment ideas about liberty, democracy, and individual rights. Thus, the desire for self-government became a rallying point for the Revolution and led to a concerted effort to break free from British control.