In 1776, the 13 American colonies, ostensibly angered at rates of taxation without representation in the British Parliament, declared independence from Great Britain. Although the attempt to secede, today known as the American Rebellion, failed, it did sow the seeds for the foundation of modern-day America. After the crushing rebel defeat at Saratoga, in 1777, American resistance to British rule crumbled. In order to prevent further unrest, however, the British government led by Lord North made a number of concessions, coupled with a major re-organization of British interests in North America.