<P> Many colonists in the Americas , however , developed a different conception of their role within the British Empire . In particular , because the colonies were not directly represented in Parliament , colonists argued that Parliament had no right to levy taxes upon them . After colonists destroyed thousands of pounds of British - taxed tea during the Boston Tea Party , Parliament passed the Coercive Acts in 1774 , punishing the colonies for their actions . These punitive Acts were vehemently opposed by the colonists , leading the newly formed Continental Congress to seek redress with King George III , in an attempt to reach a common understanding . </P>
<P> Many colonists in the Americas , however , developed a different conception of their role within the British Empire . In particular , because the colonies were not directly represented in Parliament , colonists argued that Parliament had no right to levy taxes upon them . After colonists destroyed thousands of pounds of British - taxed tea during the Boston Tea Party , Parliament passed the Coercive Acts in 1774 , punishing the colonies for their actions . These punitive Acts were vehemently opposed by the colonists , leading the newly formed Continental Congress to seek redress with King George III , in an attempt to reach a common understanding . </P>
who petitioned the king of england to recognize the rights of colonists
who petitioned the king of england to recognize the rights of colonists
Continental Congress
Continental Congress