What were the main causes of the American Revolution?

The principal cause of the American Revolution revolves around the issue of taxation without representation. The American colonists were frustrated by the British government's imposition of taxes on a variety of goods and activities, such as the Stamp Act and the Townshend Acts, without any representation in the British Parliament. This lack of representation fueled a growing sense of injustice and galvanized public sentiment against what was perceived as an authoritarian regime imposing arbitrary rule and economic burden.

Colonial leaders rallied around the cry of "no taxation without representation," emphasizing that it was unfair for a distant government to levy taxes without granting the colonies any voice in the decision-making process. This sentiment played a central role in uniting the colonists and leading to protests, boycotts, and ultimately, a call for independence. The combination of fiscal policies, restrictive measures, and resistance movements laid the foundation for revolutionary fervor.

In contrast, the expansion of territory, while relevant to the broader context of colonial ambitions, was not the immediate catalyst that sparked the revolution. The desire for independence from Native Americans does reflect tensions during this period, but those conflicts were separate from the core issues that prompted the colonies to seek independence from Britain. Additionally, British support for trade is more indicative of the mercantile interests