The American colonists were justified in declaring independence from Great Britain for several compelling reasons. Firstly, the imposition of taxes, such as the Stamp Act and the Townshend Acts, without colonial representation in the British Parliament, violated the principle of "no taxation without representation." This lack of political representation fueled resentment among the colonists. Additionally, British policies restricted colonial trade and economic growth, hindering the prosperity of the colonies. The coercive measures imposed by the British, such as the Intolerable Acts, further escalated tensions and infringed upon the colonists' basic rights. The attempt to enforce British authority through military means, as seen in events like the Boston Massacre, intensified the desire for independence. Moreover, the ideals of Enlightenment philosophy, emphasizing individual rights and self-governance, inspired the colonists to seek autonomy. The failure of peaceful petitions and appeals for redress of grievances further justified the pursuit of independence as a last resort. In essence, a culmination of political, economic, and philosophical factors formed a strong foundation for the colonists' justified decision to declare independence from Great Britain.