American Revolution: No Taxation Without Representation

Historian J.L. Bell investigates the origin of the revolutionary rallying cry, "No Taxation without representation."

Overview of a series of acts, known as The Townshend Acts, and their effect on the colonists.

“No taxation without representation” — the rallying cry of the American Revolution — gives the impression that taxation was the principal irritant between Britain and its American colonies. But, in fact, taxes in the colonies were much lower than taxes in Britain. The central grievance of the colonists was their lack of a voice in the government that ruled them.

Full-text of King George III's Sugar Act on the American Colonies.

Full-text of King George III's Stamp Act on the American Colonies.