Existing comment:
"And tell King George we'll pay no taxes on his foreign tea."
-- Popular Colonial American tavern song
Looking for ways to pay debts from the French and Indian War, Britain began taxing colonists without their consent during the 1760s. Many colonists, including Washington, protested vigorously, claiming that taxation without representation violated their rights as British citizens. Washington led boycotts and organized peaceful protests, hoping that the British would change their policies. In addition, he warned that continued suppression of American liberties would lead to armed rebellion. |