The American Revolution happened because the American colonies wanted to be free from British rule. Here are some key causes:

1. Taxation without Representation: Britain taxed the colonies heavily but did not let them have representatives in British Parliament. Acts like the Stamp Act (1765) taxed paper goods, and the Townshend Acts (1767) taxed everyday items like tea. Colonists thought this was unfair because they had no say in these decisions.
2. The Boston Massacre: In 1770, British soldiers killed five colonists during a protest in Boston. This event angered many people and spread anti-British feelings throughout the colonies.
3. The Boston Tea Party: In 1773, the British passed the Tea Act, which made colonists buy tea from only one British company. To protest, colonists disguised as Native Americans dumped tea into Boston Harbor, showing their anger at Britain’s control over their choices.
4. The Intolerable Acts: In response to the Boston Tea Party, Britain passed laws called the Intolerable Acts, which restricted colonists’ freedoms. For example, they closed Boston Harbor and took away some self-governing rights from Massachusetts, which led to more resentment.
5. Desire for Independence: Many colonists began to believe they could govern themselves better than Britain could. Ideas from thinkers like John Locke inspired them to believe in self-government and liberty.

These events helped unite the colonies and led them to declare independence from Britain in 1776. The American Revolution eventually won them freedom and the chance to build their own country.