In addition, he writes, "But this change was regarded by a large part of our people as an infringement of long-established rights, and it brought about the outbreak, which began with ten years of argument" (Fisher 2). Thus, it was civil rights and liberties that Americans had gotten very used to that initially touched off their desire for independence. It is easy to see what set off the Americans, because they were used to self-government and little interference from Great Britain. Fisher continues, "No modern English colonies, not even Canada and the Australian provinces, have quite as much freedom as Connecticut and Rhode Island enjoyed all through our colonial period. They elected their own legislatures and governors, and did not even have to send their laws to England for approval" (Fisher 2). When the British wanted to reduce these rights, Americans were not happy. The British just added to American unrest by regulating civil liberties, sending troops to the area, and creating additional taxation.

             After the British defeated the French in several wars, they turned their attention back to the American colonies. They felt the colonies had too much freedom, and charters like Connecticut's and Rhode Island's gave too much power, and so they sent the military to reform and regulate the charters. Fisher says, "In fact, the British military officers in America and all British officials began to talk openly of the necessity of regulating and reforming the colonial governments, [.] together with other changes that would give Great Britain better control" (Fisher 70). This show of military might along with the reduction of civil liberties added up to yet another reason the Americans were unhappy. In addition, the British military tended to be hard-nosed and even cruel in their dealings with the Americans. Many of the commanders were arrogant and disinterested in the problems of the colonists, and so, Americans came to dislike and resent the "redcoats.