How did the American Revolution get started?

Houses of Parliament before 1834

In the fall of 1774, the colonists sent a petition to George III explaining the contentious issues from the colonists' perspective . "Undistinguished among a variety of letters and other papers from America" the petition had been ignored in London.

The letter below from Benjamin Franklin and other agents in London describing Parliament's reaction to the petition lit the smoldering fuse that led to the Revolution. It was a "circular letter" sent to the Speakers of several Assemblies.

"LONDON, February 5, 1775.

SIR,

Our last letter informed you, that the king had declared his inten-

tions of laying the petition before his two houses of parliament, it

has accordingly been laid before each house, but undistinguished

among a variety of letters and other papers from America.

A motion made by lord Chatham, to withdraw the troops from

Boston, as the first step towards a conciliating plan, was rejected; and

the ministry have declared in both houses the determination to inforce

obedience to all the late laws. For this purpose, we understand, that

three regiments of foot, one of dragoons, seven hundred marines, six

sloops of war, and two frigates, are now under orders for America.

Journals of the Continental Congress.