evented the distribution of stamps and forced the resignation of the stamp collectors. The colonial elitemerchants, planters, and assembly leadersdid not condemn this resort to violence; some even encouraged it. Nearly everywhere, British authority was challenged, and the imperial forces lacked the power or the determination to prevail. The Stamp Act Congress that met in New York was the first step to unity among the colonies. In March of 1766, the Stamp Act was revoked, marking the first victory in the long journey to Americas independence. But, it was a small one and it was only the beginning of the long struggle to total freedom.The preliminary step to political freedom was the Albany Congress in 1754; this plea for independence fell on to deaf ears. It took the Stamp Act Congress to make the changes proposed by the Albany congress. This congress was a precedent for American unity. They were to formGrand Council to change the political and social lifestyle of the individuals living in the Hudson Valley (Crowley, pg 84). The Congress failed due to the level of control it desired. The American people at that time were not ready to give power to a new form of legislation. The country was attempting to release itself of a great power; the people did not want to see a repeat of the tyranny the colonists saw from English. During this time social groups began to form. One particular group was the Sons of Liberty. This group had the soul purpose to intimidate British officials. This secret patriotic society had its roots in the Committee of Correspondence. The Committees were colonial groups organized prior to the outbreak of the Revolution and were established for the purpose of formally organizing public opinion and coordinating patriotic actions against Great Britain. Although it began as a secret society, for reasons of safety and anonymity, the organization quickly sought to build a broad, public base of political support...
