This iCue Mini-Documentary introduces Shays's Rebellion, which revealed the weakness of the federal government—which lacked the power to deploy troops.

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This iCue Mini-Documentary describes the Stamp Act, a British tax on all printed material, from marriage licenses to playing cards. It infuriated colonists.

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This iCue Mini-Documentary introduces the Boston Tea Party, which followed Britain's attempts to compromise by taxing tea after several attempts to tax the American colonies failed. Colonial radicals led by Samuel Adams of Boston were incensed and dumped the British tea into Boston Harbor.

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This iCue Mini-Documentary introduces England's attempts to regulate colonial trade by passing the Navigation Acts—which included adding new taxes and controlling seaports. Americans were angered by the acts of legislation even though they helped stimulate the economy.

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This iCue Mini-Documentary describes how, as a young nation, the U.S. desperately needed a national system of trade and transportation. But the "American System," proposed by Speaker of the House Henry Clay, became a source of heated debate in the Senate.

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