When analyzing the causes of the American Revolution, historians have taken several approaches. The one that has some attraction, and the one I would like you to use, examines the causes chronologically and in three parts. First, what were the fundamental or long term factors that contributed to the colonists wanting to be free of England? By that I want you to discuss the factors, events, and ideas from about 1500 to 1760 that can be reasonably considered as setting the stage for the colonists declaring their independence. Second, what were the factors in the 10 to 12 years immediately before the war that heightened the tensions between Great Britain and the colonies. Finally, what were the triggers, or final straws in the two to three years immediately before the Declaration of Independence that caused the simmering pot of rebellion to explode into large scale rebellion?