What was the tax rate in the American colonies in the 1700's?

Question

Oldest Son is learning how the colonies broke away from the Crown in large part over taxation. Just curious how much they had to pay back then...and do we perhaps owe Great Britain an apology.

Answer 1

The colonies were settled with the understanding that the British government would not provide any funding, leaving colonists to cover their own costs.

When the British government determined they needed additional revenue, they imposed taxes on the colonies.  The colonists were outraged since they had never been obligated to pay England; they were solely responsible for sustaining themselves.

Here are the main ways England was able to levy money from the colonies:

1764 - The Sugar Act (first act to specifically target America for money)

1764 - The Currency Act (colonies couldn't create their own money)

1765 - The Stamp Act (first direct tax placed on Americans; later repealed in 1766)

1765 - The Quartering Act (colonists were forced to provide lodging and supplies for British soldiers)

1767 - The Townshend Acts (tax on tea, paint, glass, paper and lead)

I'm including a couple websites that have a lot of information.  I think you will find the first one to be of particular interest since it sort of addresses your question of if an apology is in order.

http://www.earlyamerica.com/review/2005_...

http://www.americanrevolution.com/Events...

Hope this helps!