The American Revolution was caused by the colonists' belief that their rights as Englishmen were being violated through taxation without representation. The British policies towards the American colonies, especially concerning taxes, also contributed to the start of the revolution. The Declaration of Independence expressed the colonists' ideals of liberty, equality, and democracy as they declared independence from Britain. Key figures in the revolution included George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin, James Madison, and Alexander Hamilton. The effects were that America gained independence and established a democratic republic based on Enlightenment principles.