Why did the British decide to tax the colonists?

A.
to discourage colonists from fighting for independence
B.
to punish colonists for fighting against them in the French and Indian War
C.
to ease tensions between the European settlers and Native Americans
D.
to help pay for the French and Indian War

D. to help pay for the French and Indian War

is this the correct answer

Yes, the correct answer is D. The British decided to tax the colonists in order to help pay for the costs of the French and Indian War.