The Great Britain's North American colonies in 1736

  Looking at Great Britain's North American colonies in 1736, no one could have predicted that forty years later they would unite and declare their independence. How did these very different colonies forge enough of a common identity to enable them to launch a successful war for independence? Also, how did colonial protests against taxes turn into the American Revolution? Furthermore, how did the Revolutionaries overcome the obstacles they faced to win their war against Great Britain? How was the war a revolution, a civil war, and a war for independence all in one?