During the years leading to the American Revolution in 1776 there were many influential causes which prompted the Americans to rebel, but some factors were more significant than others. Parliamentary Taxation was undoubtedly the most significant reason for the colonist to rebel, the British placed heavy taxes on imported goods while denying the colonists representation in parliament. Secondly, was the restriction of civil liberties, in reaction to the colonist's protest on the taxations, in 1774 Britain passed a series of intolerable acts as direct punishment for the strong protesting. Thirdly, the unnecessary military measures in the colonies, Britain used its powerful military to regulate the colonial trade and control any rebellious colonists. Lastly, was the immense difference in the British and colonial religious and political ideas concerning freedom of religion and forming a constitutional government.
             Parliamentary taxation was the most significant factor prompting the Americans to rebel in 1776. The British Empire had just claimed victory over the French in the Seven Years' War, but was in a great economic debt. Since Parliament needed another economic source they were keen on the idea that the colonies were to help for the war. In order to receive revenue from the colonies, Parliament passed a series of acts putting heavy duties on goods imported into the colonies. The colonists were angered by parliament's decision to tax especially since mercantilism and the Navigation Laws prohibited the colonies from trading with other sources. The first taxation act passed was the sugar act, and shortly followed were the Stamp Act along with the Townshend Tea Tax. The angered colonist protested in massive mobs screaming regarding to being heavily taxed without representation. Although the heavy taxes didn't pay nearly enough for annual costs of military in the colonies, it brought the colonists closer to ...