What was the primary cause of the American Revolutionary War?

The primary cause of the American Revolutionary War can be attributed to taxation without representation and British military actions, as these factors directly fueled colonial unrest and dissatisfaction. British policies such as the Stamp Act and the Townshend Acts imposed taxes on the colonies without granting them representation in Parliament. This violation of the colonists' rights fostered a strong feeling of injustice and resentment against British authority.

Additionally, British military actions, including the quartering of troops in colonial homes and the enforcement of taxes through military might, heightened tensions. Events such as the Boston Massacre exemplified the aggression and hostility that led to a significant schism between the colonies and Britain. These combined issues created a volatile environment that ultimately pushed the colonies towards the desire for independence, as they sought to challenge and negate British control over their lives and governance.

While the desire for independence is an important theme of the war, it was the specific grievances related to taxation and military presence that acted as the immediate catalysts for rebellion, making this option the most comprehensive and accurate answer regarding the primary cause of the conflict.