How much do you know about the way news spread during colonial times? Do you know why “No Taxation Without Representation” was the catchphrase used by American colonists? When did the first continental congress convene, and why was it about stamps? Have you heard of Patrick Henry? Chances are if you’ve heard of Patrick Henry then you know his most famous quote, “Give me liberty or give me death!” But that isn’t where his story began, nor is it the first time he made an impactful speech that went colonial viral.

On this episode of Founded we’re digging into the Stamp Act and exploring the colonial response to the news of it passing in parliament. We’re going to find out about the government shutdowns across the colonies just because representatives dared to use their voice and how the media affected public perception of the current events of the time.

Key Players:

George (the goose) Grenville: Prime Minister of England, creator of the sugar and stamp act

Thomas Hutchinson: Lt Governor of Massachusetts Bay colony, publicly supported the government, privately disagreed

Francis Bernard: Royal Governor of Massachusetts Bay colony

Samuel Adams: Chief rabble rouser of Boston, popular at town meetings, wrote all the articles and instructions

James Otis Jr: Prominent Boston lawyer, elected member of the Massachusetts council, Samuel Adams’s bestie

Patrick Henry: Young patriot, member of the Virginia House of Burgesses, fiery orator 

Sources

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