Britain, after defeating the French, believed that American colonists could not protect themselves. So, Britain decided to keep soldiers in the colonies, all the while taxing the colonists for the stay. As the colonists began to refuse to pay the tax, more taxes were levied against the colonies, with eventual embargo by the British fleet to ensure no other country can trade with America. In short, Patrick Henry cried "No taxation without representation", some "Indians" threw tea in Boston Harbor, there was a massacre, and colonial underground leaders declared independence, starting the war.