Final answer:
A principal cause of the American Revolutionary War was the Founders' concern over taxation without representation, as part of broader economic, political, and ideological disputes with British rule. The desire for autonomy and resistance against British control spurred the colonies toward revolution and subsequent formation of the United States.
Step-by-step explanation:
A significant cause of the American Revolutionary War that was closely related to the Founders' leadership was D. The Founders' concern over taxation without representation. British efforts to consolidate control over the colonies, especially through imposing taxes without the consent of the colonists, were a driving factor. This was part of a broader context of economic, political, and ideological disputes. The colonies' frustration with British rule, including economic restrictions, and their desire for autonomy were central to the drive for independence. The collective motives of colonial elites, merchants, and those seeking new lands for expansion, converged into a movement for revolution.
The war's ideological roots were multifaceted, with tensions growing due to issues like the lack of representation in Parliament, which contributed to the rallying cry of 'no taxation without representation'. These grievances, among others, were a fundamental part of the Declaration of Independence—as American leaders sought to create a political and economic system distinct from the British model. The war was also seen as a struggle for national identity, state autonomy, and the right to self-government, resulting in the formation of the United States and influencing future global democratic movements.