King George III imposes taxes, sparking American revolutionary sentiment

The Revolutionary War began on April 19, 1775, in Massachusetts, marking the culmination of rising tensions between the American colonies and Great Britain. The friction primarily arose after the French and Indian War, which left Britain in substantial debt. To address this financial burden, King George III introduced the Sugar Act, taxing foreign imports such as sugar and molasses. This initial taxation was met with resentment among colonists, who felt their rights were being violated without representation. The discontent escalated with the implementation of the Stamp Act, which further enraged colonists. In response, a group of influential figures, including Samuel Adams and John Hancock, formed the Sons of Liberty, meeting secretly to strategize resistance against British rule. It became evident that the colonists were no longer passive subjects; they were becoming organized in their dissent. Although the Stamp Act was repealed a year later for its unpopularity, tensions continued to rise. The Declaratory Act of 1766 followed, reaffirming Britain's right to govern and tax the colonies, which only fueled further feelings of oppression among colonists. The prevailing sentiment of “No taxation without representation” resonated widely, reflecting the urgency of the situation. Tragic events such as the Boston Massacre in 1770, where conflict between local residents and British troops resulted in several deaths, highlighted the escalating chaos. This incident galvanized public sentiment against British rule and underscored the rising desire for independence. The Boston Tea Party in 1773 further exemplified the level of discontent, as colonists protested against taxation by dumping British tea into the harbor. Collectively, these events laid the groundwork for revolution, leading eventually to the outbreak of armed conflict in April 1775.