Answer:
The correct option is 1) Reduced the profits of British merchants
Explanation:
The Revolutionary War took place due to extreme tensions between the North American colonies and the government which was under the British crown. The conflict was turned into an international one with the involvement of France in favour of the locals.
Before the Revolutionary War, the colonists boycotted every product of the Britishers. As a result, the economy of Britain was highly affected and the profits of British merchants were greatly reduced.