How and why did Americans move in 1775-1776 from fighting only for the rights of Englishmen within the British Empire to declaring their independence?

Answer 1

In 1775-1776, Americans transitioned from seeking rights as Englishmen to declaring independence due to escalating tensions with Britain, particularly after events like the Boston Tea Party and the Intolerable Acts, which galvanized colonial unity against perceived oppression. The Continental Congress, initially focused on grievances, shifted towards independence as battles like Lexington and Concord demonstrated the irreconcilable divide. Influential pamphlets, such as Thomas Paine's "Common Sense," articulated the argument for self-governance, encouraging the belief that independence was necessary for true liberty and self-determination. Ultimately, the desire for autonomy and the rejection of British authority led to the Declaration of Independence in 1776.