Why did the colonists engage in conflict with the British?

The engagement of colonists in conflict with the British primarily stemmed from their grievances over high taxes. Following the French and Indian War, the British government sought to recoup its war expenses by imposing various taxes on the colonies, such as the Stamp Act and Townshend Acts. These taxes were viewed as unfair since the colonists had no representation in the British Parliament, leading to the rallying cry of "no taxation without representation." The frustration over these taxes ignited a sense of resentment and a desire for greater autonomy among colonists, ultimately resulting in increased tension and conflict.

The other reasons, while they may hold some historical significance, were not the primary catalysts for the revolutionary conflict with Britain. The quest for territorial expansion, for instance, was a more complex issue tied to different factors and did not directly lead to armed conflict with British authorities. Similarly, while religious freedom motivated some groups, it wasn't the main unifying cause for the colonists as a whole. Lastly, although seeking trade opportunities was a factor in the broader economic discontent, it was the specific issue of taxation that galvanized a widespread movement toward revolution among the colonies.