Taxation without Representation

Many colonists claimed that the British Government was using "taxation without representation."
What do you think this means?

Sugar Act

• 1764- Three-cent tax on foreign refined sugar and increased taxes on coffee, indigo, wine
• It banned importation of rum and French wines

Stamp Act

• 1765- First direct British tax on American colonists
• Every newspaper, pamphlet, and other document had to have a Stamp- which added a tax attached

The issue with the Stamp Act

• Taxes were already present in the colonies
• The Stamp Act was the first time the colonists were taxed to raise money for Britain
• The act was repealed in 1766

Tea Act

• 1773 Act that gave a monopoly on tea sales to the East India CompanyIn other words, American colonists could buy no tea unless it came from that company.
• In other words, American colonists could buy no tea unless it came from that company
• This caused the price of tea to increase

Reactions from Colonists

• The taxes caused different reactions
• Patriots wanted to rebel against Britain and become independent
• Loyalists wanted to remain loyal to British rule
• Neutral colonists did not take a side