What event contributed to the growing tensions that led to the American Revolution?

The event that significantly contributed to the growing tensions leading to the American Revolution is the concept of taxation without representation. This phrase encapsulated the frustration of the American colonists who felt that they were being unjustly taxed by the British Parliament, in which they had no elected representatives. The imposition of various taxes, such as the Stamp Act and the Townshend Acts, intensified feelings of resentment and desire for self-governance among the colonists. They believed that they should not be taxed without having a voice in the governing body that imposed those taxes, fundamentally challenging the legitimacy of British rule over the colonies.

While the Boston Tea Party was a direct action taken in response to these grievances, it was largely a reaction to the ongoing issue of taxation without representation. The signing of the Declaration of Independence marked a formal assertion of independence, but it was a culmination of tensions rather than a direct cause of them. Similarly, the founding of the Continental Congress was a showing of unity among the colonies to address their concerns but arose in response to the existing conflicts related to taxation and governance. Thus, taxation without representation stands out as a pivotal factor that inspired widespread unrest and ultimately fueled the desire for independence.