What was a major cause of the American Revolution?

The major cause of the American Revolution identified in the response is taxation without representation. This phrase encapsulates the colonists' main grievance against the British government, which imposed taxes on them without their consent. The colonies had no representatives in the British Parliament, which meant they had no direct say in the laws and taxes that were imposed upon them. This situation led to widespread resentment and a perception of unfairness, as the colonists felt they were being exploited to fund British interests without advocating for their rights.

The significance of this issue escalated as British policies such as the Stamp Act and the Townshend Acts demonstrated a pattern of taxation that sparked protests and the rallying cry of "No taxation without representation." This unity among the colonies helped promote a shared identity and ultimately fueled the desire for independence. The culmination of these tensions contributed to events like the Boston Tea Party and the formation of the Continental Congress, which ultimately led to the struggle for independence from Britain.

Understanding this context helps clarify why taxation without representation was a vital grievance that contributed significantly to the revolutionary movement, providing clear reasons for the colonists' demands for autonomy and self-governance.