The Stamp Act was passed in 1775, an act whereby certain publications and legal documents were to bear a stamp that cost money and was therefore a form of a tax. It was vehemently opposed by the colonists, because of its unfairness and the idea of taxation without representation. This was the benchmark beginning of events that would lead to the Revolution. Also in 1775, the British moved to attack Lexington and Concord at which time Paul Revere made his famous ride. Then in 1776, Patrick Henry delivers his "No taxation without representation" speech. (Note, although the concept of this slogan was a basic ingredient of the revolution, the colonists did not want representation. They realized their representation in the British legislature would be meaningless and they would always be outvoted. It is also interesting to observe that in spite of the colonists view of taxes imposed on them, they were taxed less than British citizens to support the government of Britain.)

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