What was the primary aim of the American Revolution?

The primary aim of the American Revolution was to achieve independence from British rule. The colonies sought to break free from the political and economic control exerted by Great Britain, which included taxation without representation, restrictions on trade, and the lack of political autonomy. The desire for self-governance was rooted in Enlightenment ideas about individual rights and the social contract, leading the colonists to fight for their right to govern themselves rather than accept the decisions of a distant monarchy.

Establishing an absolute monarchy would contradict the very principles for which the revolutionaries fought. The goal was not to create another form of oppressive government, but rather to set up a system that ensured representation and rights for the citizenry. Although some sought land expansion, the primary motivation centered around independence rather than territorial claims. Additionally, while the creation of a unified military was part of the revolutionary effort, it was largely a means to an end, facilitating the fight for independence rather than an end in itself. Thus, the central goal of the American Revolution was indeed to achieve independence from British rule.