In his book "The British Empire," author Niall Ferguson emphasizes the central issue that fueled tensions between the British Parliament and American settlers. The crux of the conflict lay in the constitutional principle that allowed Parliament to impose taxes on the colonies without obtaining their consent. This lack of representation became a significant point of contention, as colonists felt their rights were being violated by a government thousands of miles away.

This principle not only sparked widespread resentment but also escalated into a broader struggle for autonomy and self-governance. The dismissive attitude of British lawmakers towards the colonies' grievances ultimately sowed the seeds of rebellion, leading to a fundamental clash over rights and liberties that would shape the future of America.