The primary cause of the American Revolution in the late 18th century was the growing resentment toward British taxation and governance. Colonists opposed various acts imposed by the British Parliament, such as the Stamp Act and Townshend Acts, which enforced taxes without their consent, famously encapsulated in the slogan "no taxation without representation." This lack of political power and rising desire for self-governance fueled dissent and mobilized the colonies to challenge British authority. Ultimately, this culminated in a quest for independence, leading to the Revolutionary War and the foundation of a new nation based on democratic principles.