What emotion heavily influenced the average American Soldier's decision to fight against Britain?

The emotion that heavily influenced the average American Soldier's decision to fight against Britain is the belief in liberty. This desire for freedom and independence was a powerful motivator, as many soldiers felt strongly about their rights and autonomy in the face of British rule and taxation without representation. The fight for liberty represented not only a struggle for personal freedoms but also a collective aspiration for a nation based on democratic principles. The notion of self-governance and the rejection of tyranny resonated deeply with the soldiers, driving them to take up arms in defense of their ideals and the future of their country.

Other emotions, like fear of loss or aspiration for wealth, while potentially present in some individuals’ motivations, did not encapsulate the broader ideological and principled reasons for fighting that were central to the revolutionary spirit. Similarly, the desire for fame, while it might have inspired some, was not the primary driving force behind the collective decision of the American Soldiers during the revolution. The commitment to liberty was what instilled a sense of unity and purpose that effectively rallied the troops to fight for independence.