After the French & Indian War (1754–63), Britain imposed taxes and tightened control over the colonies. Colonists, influenced by Enlightenment ideas (Locke: natural rights, consent of the governed), increasingly resisted what they saw as tyranny.
Core Principle: "No taxation without representation" — colonists argued Parliament had no right to tax them without elected representatives. Britain argued "virtual representation."
AP Exam Focus (KC 3.1 / 3.2): Period 3 heavily tests: (1) Causes rooted in British post-war policies, (2) Enlightenment philosophy (Locke → Jefferson), (3) "No taxation without representation" debate, (4) Saratoga as THE turning point (French alliance), (5) Declaration's ideals vs. reality (slavery, women, Native Americans), (6) Revolution's global influence, (7) Limits of revolutionary change.