Quote Originally Posted by HoreTore View Post
Alright, I'll give you "independence" as well. But I won't give you freedom
Ahh, but why do people want independence? If you are living under the control of a powerful empire, why abandon such security? Because independence means the freedom to live your life they way you want you, not some parliament in Europe. For colonists back then, with independence came the freedom to spread out where ever you want and own your own piece of prosperity and tranquility, the freedom to meet with traders from all across the world, throwing off the chains of a trade monopoly with Britain and talk and negotiate freely with all. Colonists wanted these freedoms that the British denied them (colonials actually regarded themselves as English citizens and subject to the same treatment those on the isles received) and independence (as Americans not English) for many was the only way such freedoms could come to the thirteen colonies.