What were the primary factors that caused the colonists to declare independence from Great Britain?

The primary factor that caused the colonists to declare independence was the implementation of what the colonists saw as unfair taxation. The colonists were repeatedly hit with taxes by the British but failed to reap any benefits. The colonists resented these taxes, particularly because they had no representation in government. The desire to govern themselves became a primary goal, as prior to French/Indian War, they had pretty much been left to themselves. In essence, the colonists, hitherto unbothered, sought to establish their own government and cast off their ties to Britain.