Throughout the late 17th and into the 18th century (1650-1775) did the American colonies grow closer to, or more distant from, the mother country?

Throughout the late 17th and into the 18th century (1650-1775) did the American colonies grow closer to, or more distant from, the mother country? If you think a little bit of both, explain in what ways the two grew closer together and in what way they grew more apart. Do you see a particular period of greater harmony, or a particular period of increased tension? As the 18th century (1700s) progressed, were opportunities for social advancement improving of getting worse for colonists? Explain your position.