What was a major reason for the discontent in the American colonies leading to the First Continental Congress?

The major reason for the discontent in the American colonies leading to the First Continental Congress was indeed the issue of increased taxation without representation. The colonies were subjected to various taxes imposed by the British Parliament, like the Stamp Act and the Townshend Acts, without having any representatives in Parliament to voice their grievances or influence decisions that affected them. This lack of representation created a significant sense of injustice among the colonists, fostering resentment toward British authority and contributing to the desire for greater autonomy.

The grievances regarding taxation were amplified by the colonists’ belief that they should not be taxed by a government in which they had no electoral voice. This sentiment was encapsulated in the popular slogan "no taxation without representation," which became a rallying cry for the colonies as they sought to address their concerns and assert their rights. The call for the First Continental Congress was largely a response to these issues, as colonies sought to unify and organize their collective efforts against British policies.

While other factors, such as the desire for territorial expansion and support for British military actions, played roles in the overall context of colonial dissent, it was primarily the issue of taxation that galvanized the colonies into action, ultimately leading to the convening of the First Continental Congress in 1774.