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Reason #1
The Americans backed the British in the French and Indian War. The cost of the war and of controlling the newly acquired territories was high. The British looked to the colonies to help pay those costs. That began the long spiral of events that led to the Revolution. -
Reason #2
The Proclamation of 1763 (which was made by the British) tried to protect the Indians from further encroachments by the settlers. The colonists were not happy. -
Reason #3
The second British action was to pass the Revenue Act of 1764, otherwise known in the colonies as "The Sugar Act". The Sugar Act actually lowered the tax on molasses, a key import of the colonies. The new act provided strong methods of enforcing the tariff on molasses. It also placed a tax on the importation of additional items, such as silks, wines and potash. -
Reason #4
Currency Act
Parliament argued that colonial currency had caused a devaluation harmful to British trade. They banned American assemblies from issuing paper bills or bills of credit. -
Reason #5
1765 - Quartering Act
Britain ordered that colonists were to house and feed British soldiers if necessary. -
Reason #6
1765 - Stamp Act
This required tax stamps on many items and documents including playing cards, newspapers, and marriage licenses. Prime Minister George Grenville stated that this direct tax was intended for the colonies to pay for defense. Previous taxes imposed by Britain had been indirect, or hidden. -
Reason #7
1767 - Townshend Acts
These taxes were imposed to help make the colonial officials independent of the colonists and included duties on glass, paper, and tea. Smugglers increased their activities to avoid the tax leading to more troops in Boston.
