What key events marked the move toward american independence?

The American Revolution was fought over who had the authority to impose taxes - Britain or the colonies. Taxation without representation was a major cause of the Revolutionary War for colonists. The restriction of free trade and speech were other causes that contributed to the Revolutionary War. Acts imposed by the British which contributed to the war were: The Stamp Act, The Townsend Act, The Tea Act and The Intolerable Acts. Generally, The Boston Tea Party is considered one of the first events of the Revolutionary War.