Why was 'No taxation without representation' a main cause of the American Revolu

Question:

Why was 'No taxation without representation' a main cause of the American Revolution?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: In the late 1760s and early 1770s, Great Britain was involved in wars all over the world, ensuring the security of its vast empire. To help pay for the wars, Great Britain raised taxes on many goods that its American colonies depended upon and needed. Two of these taxes were the Stamp Act and the Townshend Acts. Both were extremely unpopular in the colonies. The stamp act included various paper products (such as a deck of cards) and the Townshend Act included a tax on paint, glass, paper, and tea. (This act became known as the Intolerable Act). Tea was a major tax since it was virtually a flat tax; everyone in America who could, drank tea. Ever heard of the Boston Tea Party? While this raid got the most publicity, various other "parties" took place, including Edenton, NC and Charleston, SC.

The problem was that American colonist could not voice an opinion in Parliament. The catch phrase can be interpreted as "If we're going to pay taxes in support of Great Britain, we want British rights" or the right to being represented in Parliament.

The phrase however does not mean that if Britain had given the colonists representation that the American Revolution would not have happened. The patriots weren't happy about paying any kind of tax. Why else would the Constitution have to be amended to allow for income tax?