By 1776, the population of the colonies had reached 2.5 million people. This was about one third the population of Britain. There were now many roads connecting the individual colonies, and newspapers kept them informed about each other. The colonies were beginning to think of themselves as Americans, not as separate colonies.

Many colonists were split over the issue of independence. There were both rich and poor colonists on both sides of the independence issue.

George Washington, and John Hancock were in favor of independence.

On the other hand, some rich colonists were afraid they would lose their wealth if the revolution succeeded. their wealth was heavily connected to British trade and the British government.

Over time, support for independence grew as issues like taxation without representation angered the local population.