The Unauthorized History of Taxes

From the Boston Tea Party to the Whiskey Rebellion, 18th century America was home to a series of tax revolts, as citizens fought to protect their constitutional rights to 'life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.', 18th century America faced tax revolts like the Boston Tea Party and Whiskey Rebellion over rights to life, liberty, and happiness.

In the 19th century, disagreements over import taxes split north and south, leading Lincoln to enact the first federal income tax and create the IRS.

The 1913 Income Tax altered taxpayer-government relations. During Prohibition, the Depression, and wars, citizens funded a growing federal government.

The 1960s and 1980s had economic growth under presidents who supported tax cuts, with Reagan's policies rooted in Kennedy's ideas.

Wealthy individuals and companies move to low-tax states. With rising taxes under Biden, taxpayer reactions are uncertain.