What is one major cause of the American Revolutionary War?

The major cause of the American Revolutionary War is high taxes without representation. During the 1760s and 1770s, the British government imposed various taxes on the American colonies to help pay off debt from the French and Indian War. Notable taxes included the Stamp Act and the Townshend Acts, which were met with strong opposition from colonists who felt they should not be taxed without having a voice in Parliament. This sentiment was encapsulated in the slogan, "No taxation without representation," which highlighted the growing resentment towards British authority. The perception that they were being unfairly taxed fueled calls for independence and contributed significantly to the outbreak of war.

While foreign intervention, disputes over territory, and religious conflicts did exist as factors in the broader context of the time, they did not have as direct or impactful a role in igniting the Revolutionary War as the issue of taxation without representation. The colonies were primarily focused on their political rights and the fiscal policies imposed by Britain, which served as the catalyst for the revolutionary movement.