#2 - What events triggered the stirrings of rebellion?

1765 Stamp Act British Prime Minister George Grenville The first direct tax on the colonies Tax on all paper goods Legal documents, newspapers, and pamphlets Special “Stamp Duties” on playing cards and dice Leads to colonial unrest – British hands in colonists pockets

1765 Stamp Act

The Sons of Liberty Founded by Samuel Adams & John Hancock A secret organization Organized demonstrations & protests (sometimes violent) Tar and feathering Boycotts of goods made in Great Britain Led to the repeal of the Stamp Act

Sam Adams & John Hancock

Declaratory Acts Passed the same day the Stamp Act was repealed The British Parliament asserts its command over the colonies – restates the right to make laws that bind the colonies

1767 Townshend Acts New British Prime Minister Charles Townshend An indirect tax on glass, lead, paint, & paper 3 cent tax on tea Colonists reply “Taxation without representation!” Colonial smuggling increases John Hancock’s ship Liberty seized by Great Britain – accused of smuggling