Which action taken by the British government regarding taxation angered the American colonists?

The principle of "taxation without representation" is central to understanding the grievances of the American colonists against the British government. Colonists were frustrated because they were being subjected to taxes imposed by a Parliament in which they had no elected representatives. This lack of representation was seen as a violation of their rights as Englishmen, who believed they should not be taxed without having a voice in the legislative process.

The phrase articulates the core issue that fueled revolutionary sentiment and action, leading to significant events such as the Boston Tea Party and ultimately to the American Revolution. The idea that a governing body could impose financial burdens without consent resonated deeply with the colonists and was pivotal in their fight for independence.