How much do you know about the beginning of the American Revolution? How about Benjamin Franklin? Do you know what the relationship between Great Britain and the 13 colonies was like? Why was the phrase “No taxation without representation” used? Have you ever heard of The Stamp Act of 1765? You’ve probably heard of The Boston Tea Party, but that event happened closer to the start of the war than the beginning of the revolution. And that revolution? It wasn’t about taxes. Taxes were a symptom of the problem.

On this episode of Founded we’re exploring what was happening in Britain in the months leading up to The Stamp Act of 1765 and the debates that ensued. We’re also going to find out what the relationship between the mother country and her colonies was like along with reasons both sides were unhappy.

Key Players:

George Grenville: Prime minister, the man behind the actsBenjamin Franklin: London agent for the colony of Pennsylvania and huge loyalist (at this point in his life)

Charles Townshend: Member of parliament, future antagonist of the colonies

Colonel Isaac Barre: Veteran of the 7 years war in England, supporter of the colonies

General Conway: Veteran of the 7 years war in England, supporter of the colonies

Sources

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Episode ID: 1000729825711

GUID: 25d8d8be-9ffb-11f0-81ed-079ed835e793

Release Date: 03/10/2025, 09:30:00