What was a major issue that led to the Revolutionary War?

The major issue that led to the Revolutionary War was taxation without representation. This phrase captures a central grievance of the American colonists against British rule. The colonies were subjected to various taxes imposed by the British Parliament, such as the Stamp Act and the Townshend Acts, without any representation in that governing body. The colonies believed that it was unjust to be taxed by a government in which they had no voice. This lack of representation fueled widespread dissent and ultimately spurred the desire for independence from British rule.

Other factors, such as colonial expansion, trade disputes, and the pursuit of religious freedom, certainly played roles in the larger context of colonial dissatisfaction. However, the specific issue of taxation without representation emerged as a critical catalyst for unified colonial action, encouraging them to challenge British authority more forcefully and leading to the outbreak of the war.