What is one effect of high taxes that led colonists to fight?

High taxes imposed by the British government without the consent of the colonists was a significant factor that fueled revolutionary sentiments among the American colonies. The key issue here is the idea of "no taxation without representation." Colonists felt that being taxed without having a representative in the British Parliament was unjust and violated their rights as Englishmen. This led to widespread discontent and ultimately contributed to the desire for independence.

The notion of representation in government is foundational in democratic societies. The lack of representation meant that colonists had no voice in how much they were taxed or how those taxes would be used. This seeding of frustration over taxation issues played a crucial role in rallying the colonies against British rule, culminating in events such as the Boston Tea Party and the Continental Congress.

The other options do not address the central grievance related to taxation effectively. The wealth of the colonists, their desire for freedom of speech, and a need for allies are related to broader issues but do not pinpoint the direct effect of high taxes that galvanized the colonists' efforts for independence.