England wanted to tax the colonist because they were in

To pay for the French and Indian War. Also to pay for new weapons. Also so they can keep more places balanced except for the newworld. The Colonists wanted independence from Great Britain because the king created unreasonable taxes, those taxes were created because Britain just fought the French and Indians.

Explanation:

England decided that since they fought on American soil, then it was only fair to make Colonists pay for it.

How much did the British tax the colonists?

The British government demanded that the colonists pay higher and higher taxes. One reason was that the government wanted to show the colonists that it was in control. Another reason was that Britain was having money problems.