American revolution question?

Question

Is it true the majority of colonists did not want an outright war just more a change of treatment?

Answer 1

Initially no one wanted a war.  But as the imperial crisis went on, tensions mounted and war eventually became inevitable.  It wasn't until after fighting began that people swung decisively towards independence.  Before that they were seeking reform within the empire.  They wanted to restore what they saw as their rights as English subjects. 

Answer 2

Before the Battles of Lexington and Concord yes, all they wanted was to be able to send representatives from the colonies to British Parliament.

Answer 3

Between 40 and 45 percent of the white population in the Thirteen Colonies supported the Patriots' cause, between 15 and 20 percent supported the Loyalists, and the remainder were neutral or kept a low profile.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPeV8RZDIGo