Why were the British right to tax the 13 colonies after the French and Indian war?

The British believed it was justified to tax the 13 colonies after the French and Indian War because the war had been costly and Britain had incurred significant debt to protect the colonies. They argued that the colonies benefited from British military support and should contribute to the expenses incurred for their defense. Additionally, the British government aimed to establish a precedent for taxation and governance over the colonies. However, this taxation without representation ultimately fueled colonial resentment and led to calls for independence.