Strict British Rules
What was the Sugar Act of 1764?
It set duties on molasses and sugar imported by colonists. This was the first act passed specifically to raise money in the colonies.
What was the Stamp Act of 1765?
This act required colonists to pay for an official stamp, or seal, when they bought paper items. The tax had to be paid on legal documents, licenses, newspapers, pamphlets, and even playing cards. Colonists who refused to buy stamps could be fined or sent to jail.
Who was John Adams?
John Adams was a lawyer who helped defend the British soldiers on during the trial of the Boston Massacre. He also later in his life became President.
How did colonists react to the Townshend Acts?
They reacted by boycotting glass, lead, paint, paper, and tea. All of these items except Tea had their taxes removed.
What were the Townshend Acts?
In June 1767 Parliament passed the Townshend Acts. These acts placed duties on glass, lead, paint, paper, and tea. To enforce the Townshend Acts, British officials used writs of assistance. These allowed tax collectors to search for smuggled goods. Colonists hated the new laws because they took power away from colonial governments.
Who was Patrick Henry?
In May 1765 a Virginia lawyer named Patrick Henry presented a series of resolutions to the Virginia House of Burgesses. These resolutions stated that the Stamp Act violated colonists’ rights. In addition to taxation without representation, the Stamp Act denied the accused a trial by jury. Henry’s speech in support of the resolutions convinced the assembly to support some of his ideas.
How did colonists react to the Stamp Acts?
What were the Tea Acts?
These acts passed in 1773 allowed the British East India Company to sell tea directly to the colonists. Many colonial merchants and smugglers feared that the British East India Company’s cheap tea would put them out of business.
Who was Mercy Otis Warren?
She was a writer in the Massachusetts colony who disagreed with the new tax. She began writing plays that were sharply critical of the British government's actions.
What was the Boston Massacre?
The Boston Massacre was an event that took place on the streets of Boston. British soldiers were being harrased harshly by crowds of colonists. Some of the soldiers in the group opened fire on the colonists and left 5 dead. During the trial, officer Thomas Preston and six other men were found acting in self defense. Two men were found guilty of accidental murder.
What were the Commities of Correspondence?
These were commities created by Massachusets House of Representatives in the 1760s to help towns and colonies share information about british laws
How did colonists react to the Tea Acts?
The Tea Acts caused the colonists to react in the Boston Tea Party, and event where colonists dumped 340 boxes of Tea into Boston Harbor.
What were the Intoleratable Acts?
These acts were made to punish Boston for the Boston Tea Party. These acts did many things such as:
1. Boston Harbor was closed until Boston could pay for the Tea.
2. Massachusets charter was cancelled. The govener Decided if and when the legistature could meet.
3. The Quartering Acts were passed. This required colonists to house British soldiers.
Who was Samuel Adams?
He was an American revolutionary who led the agitation that caused the Boston Tea Party, helped to found the Committies of Correspondence, and signed the Declaration of independence.
What was the Boston Tea Party?
Three ships loaded with tea from the British East India Company arrived in Boston Harbor in 1773. Members of the Sons of Liberty demanded that the ships leave. But the governor of Massachusetts would not let the ships leave without paying the duty.
On the night of December 16, 1773, colonists disguised as Native Americans sneaked onto the three tea-filled ships and dumped over 340 tea chests into Boston Harbor. This event became known as the Boston Tea Party.
Who were the Sons of Liberty?
This was a group of people formed by revolutionary leaders such as Samuel Adams in 1765, that fought against the unfair british laws and helped to start the American Revolution.
All colonies except Georgia sent colonists to a meeting in October 1774. This meeting was known as the first Continental Congress.