Unit 1 Day 5 British Taxes Quote: “Taxation without representation is tyranny.” - James Otis (?) Focus Question(s): How did the relationship between colonists and the British government evolve over time? Under what circumstances should individuals stand up for what is just in the face of authority? Specified Content: Stamp Act, John Adams, Ben Franklin, Townshend Acts, Sons of Liberty, Boston Massacre State Standards: Strand 1 Concept 4 PO 1 (Assess the economic, political, and social reasons for the American Revolution)

British Taxes To begin building revenue after the French and Indian War, in 1765 England imposed a tax called the Stamp Act on the colonies.

The colonies sent representatives to New York to discuss a unified protest of these taxes. The Stamp Act Congress declared that taxing the colonists without their consent was unconstitutional.

Widespread protests took place throughout the colonies with nine of the thirteen sending formal protests to Parliament. In 1766, the Stamp Act will be repealed.

1767, Parliament passes a new tax onto the colonies (Townshend Acts) 1767, Parliament passes a new tax onto the colonies (Townshend Acts). Everyday goods like glass, lead, paint, paper and tea will be the focus. Patriot groups like the Sons of Liberty called on the colonists to again protest the British taxes.

England sent more soldiers to the colonies to keep the peace but tension continued to rise. March 5th 1770, English soldiers in Boston shoot at a group of colonists protesting outside a Customs (tax) office killing 5 and injuring 6. (Boston Massacre)

Activity Write down the following questions on a separate sheet of paper: Who was the author of this source? When was this source published? What do you see in this source? How does this source make you feel?

Paul Revere, “The Bloody Massacre perpetrated in King Street, Boston on March 5th 1770 by a party of the 29th Regiment”. Published March 28th 1770