One reason colonists fought the British was:

The primary reason colonists fought the British was indeed for independence. The American colonies were increasingly frustrated with British rule and the lack of representation in Parliament, leading to a desire for self-governance. The movement toward independence became a rallying point for the colonies, particularly after events such as the Boston Tea Party and the enactment of oppressive taxes and laws by the British government.

The pursuit of independence was fueled by Enlightenment ideas about freedoms and rights, contributing to a shared identity among the colonies. This quest culminated in the Declaration of Independence in 1776, formally stating that they sought to break away from British rule. This objective was fundamentally about establishing the colonies as a sovereign nation where they could govern themselves without external control, making it the most significant reason for their revolt against Britain.