The reaction of the colonists: the attitude of the colonial elites
Colonial elites — wealthy lawyers, merchants, and landowners — led the resistance to British taxation. They argued that Britain had no right to tax colonists who had no representatives in Parliament.
Real World
John Hancock, one of Boston's wealthiest merchants, funded Sons of Liberty activities and used his trading network to organise the non-importation boycotts that hit British manufacturers hard enough to force repeal of the Stamp Act.
Exam Focus
Avoid simply listing elite names — explain why their specific status (legal knowledge, wealth, political connections) made them effective leaders.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
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