How did the colonist not have freedom?

Answer 1

There are a few major reasons for this. The first two being money.

First: The Colonies were a source of income for England because of taxes (part of the reason the Colonies were upset with the Crown was because they did not feel they were properly represented). If a government loses a couple million citizens it loses a good chunk of scratch.

Second: England is not a resource wealthy country. They lacked large quantities of raw materials that could be turned into consumer goods and sold (most of which would have been sold to a burgeoning new market, the Colonies!).

Third: Every country is worried about protecting its sovereignty (the power to govern over the affairs within a countries boundaries without interference from outside influences). Uprisings of any kind are frowned upon by governments because it shows weakness. When 2.5 million people in a territory take up arms and attempt to throw off the shackles of a dictatorial monarch 3500 miles away, it doesn't send a message of strength to the world if you are the dictatorial monarch. This came at a time when France and England had been at war on and off for the better part of 700 years. What I'm trying to say is: it was no coincidence that France sided with the Colonies during the American Revolution.

Answer 2

they were still ruled by england, even though they were far away