What was supposed to be a decade of peace and prosperity actually is the road to revolution.

In this episode of Revolution Revisited™, host Maggie Creech and guest historian Dr. Richard Bell delve into the critical decade leading up to the American Revolution, from 1763 to 1773.

As Britain grappled with post-war financial crisis, its new taxation policies on the American colonies ignited simmering tensions and widespread defiance. Explore key events including the Sugar Act, the Stamp Act, and the Townshend Acts, and learn how these taxes led to colonial protests, boycotts, and a growing demand for representation. Discover the pivotal moments of intercolonial unity and resistance that set the stage for the revolution. This episode highlights not just the economic grievances but the burgeoning American identity and the quest for rights and freedom that would define a nation.

Featured Guest:

Dr. Richard Bell, Professor of History at the University of Maryland & Author

• Richard Bell is Professor of History at the University of Maryland and author of the book Stolen: Five Free Boys Kidnapped into Slavery and their Astonishing Odyssey Home which was a finalist for the George Washington Prize and the Harriet Tubman Prize. He has held major research fellowships at Yale, Cambridge, and the Library of Congress and is the recipient of the National Endowment of the Humanities Public Scholar award and the Andrew Carnegie Fellowship. He serves as a Trustee of the Maryland Center for History and Culture and as a fellow of the Royal Historical Society.

Show Notes: 

• 00:00 Introduction to Revolution Revisited 
• 01:36 Setting the Stage: Post-War Financial Crisis 
• 04:53 Colonial Reactions to British Taxation 
• 07:42 The Sugar Act and Its Impact 
• 10:05 The Stamp Act: A Direct Tax on Daily Life 
• 13:55 Patrick Henry and the Virginia Resolves 
• 28:52 The Townshend Acts and Colonial Boycotts 
• 38:34 The Tea Act and the Boston Tea Party 
• 43:50 The Coercive Acts and Rising Tensions 
• 47:55 Conclusion and Next Episode  

Revolution Revisited™ is produced by the Virginia Museum of History & Culture. This podcast is made possible by the generous support of William & Karen Fralin. © 2025 Virginia Museum of History & Culture