The main reason behind the uprising during the American Revolution was the desire for independence from British rule. American colonists were frustrated by several taxes and laws imposed by the British Parliament, such as the Stamp Act and the Tea Act, without having any representation in that governing body—summed up with the slogan "no taxation without representation." Growing unrest and calls for self-governance fueled the desire to break free from what colonists viewed as oppressive British oversight. This discontent culminated in a series of protests and armed conflict, ultimately leading the colonies to declare independence in 1776.