French and Indian War
How did mercantilism shape Britain’s view of the American colonies?
Britain saw the colonies primarily as economic assets meant to benefit the mother country.
Why did Britain pass the Sugar Act of 1764?
To reduce smuggling and collect revenue by enforcing taxes on sugar and molasses.
How did the Declaratory Act reflect Britain’s view of Parliament’s authority?
It stated Parliament had the right to legislate for the colonies “in all cases whatsoever.”
What caused the Boston Massacre in 1770?
Tension between colonists and British soldiers escalated into a violent confrontation.
Why did General Gage march to Concord in April 1775?
To seize colonial weapons and arrest Patriot leaders.
What were the Navigation Acts, and why did Britain create them?
A series of laws regulating colonial trade to ensure economic benefits flowed to Britain.
What was the significance of the phrase “no taxation without representation”?
Colonists argued they shouldn’t be taxed by a Parliament in which they had no elected representatives.
What were the Townshend Acts?
Taxes on imported goods like glass, paper, paint, and tea.
How did colonial leaders use the Boston Massacre as propaganda?
They portrayed it as proof of British tyranny and violence against innocent colonists.
What happened at Lexington and Concord?
Fighting broke out, marking the first battles of the Revolutionary War.
How did many colonists respond to the Navigation Acts in practice?
They often ignored them or smuggled.
How did the Stamp Act of 1765 mark a turning point?
It was the first direct internal tax on the colonies, provoking widespread protests.
How did Britain respond to resistance to the Stamp Act?
Parliament repealed both Acts.
Why were Committees of Correspondence important?
They helped colonies coordinate resistance and share information.
How did the Battle of Bunker Hill affect both sides?
It showed the colonists could fight effectively, but Britain still held military superiority.
What was Salutary Neglect?
A long period (roughly early 1700s–1763) during which Britain loosely enforced its trade laws and allowed the colonies significant self-government.
What methods did colonists use to protest the Stamp Act?
Boycotts, petitions, public demonstrations, and intimidation of tax collectors.
What was the purpose of the Tea Act?
To help the struggling British East India Company by allowing it to sell tea directly to the colonies.
What motivated the Sons of Liberty to organize the Boston Tea Party?
To prevent the taxed tea from being unloaded and to protest British authority.
How did the Olive Branch Petition reflect colonial divisions?
It was one last attempt at preventing further conflict with Great Britain.
How did the French and Indian War change the relationship between Britain and its American colonies?
It ended the period of “salutary neglect” and led Britain to try to exert tighter control.
Why did the Quartering Act upset colonists?
It required them to house and supply British soldiers, seen as violating their rights.
What were the Intolerable Acts?
Punitive laws including the closing of Boston Harbor and reducing Massachusetts self-government.
What actions did the First Continental Congress take?
It issued demands for rights, supported boycotts, and prepared for possible resistance.
How did King George III’s rejection of the Olive Branch Petition affect colonists?
It convinced many that peaceful reconciliation was impossible.