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The Proclamation of 1763 was an act put in place in order to prevent colonists from expanding and purchasing land west of the Appalachians. This was done shortly after acquiring the French land and the British Crown did not want to create conflicts with the Native Americans living in the area. The colonists became very upset since their wishes to expand westward would be halted and resented the restrictions placed upon them. Many ignored the proclamation and began the westward expansion. -
The Sugar Act was put in place to replace the Molasses Act of 1733 and it imposed duties onto wines, silks, textiles and many other "luxury" goods that were imported into the colonies. The colonists responded with opposition, boycotting many British goods and arguing the idea of "No Taxation without Representation." -
The Currency Act prohibited the colonial governments from printing or issuing new paper money. This act further obligated colonists to pay taxes/debts owed to British Merchants and the pay had to be in British Currency. Colonists were tight on currency and were unable to pay such duties and this brought devastation. This in turn caused colonies to protest the act. -
The Stamp Act required for taxes to be paid on legal documents, newspapers, playing cards, and all sort of papers/goods. Those who counterfeited the seal would be charged with a felony and punished with death. Colonists found this act very unfair. John Adams called it the "Burdensome tax" as not many had enough money to pay such taxes. Many saw this as unconstitutional as it stripped from their right to representation and trial by jury. This in turn caused boycotts on British goods. -
This Act required colonists to provide British soldiers shelter and provisions including bedding, food/beverages and basic necessities. If the barracks provided weren't enough then other areas in the colonies were to be used such as churches, buildings and even personal homes. Colonists refused to comply with the act as they felt forced to shelter the soldiers. For example, the New York Assembly refused to provide barracks for the soldiers, and this caused the assembly to be suspended. -
This act was passed by Parliament asserting their right to make laws for the colonies and bound the colonists under the full authority of the British government. The act was passed nearly close to the Stamp Act being repealed so many colonists rejoiced with the news and seemed to pay little attention to the new act placed. However, many other colonists worried of what this act would bring to them. -
The Townshend Acts placed duties/taxes onto imported goods such as glass, paint, lead, paper and tea. This was in order to raise revenue to pay the salaries for colonial government officials. Colonists as usual, disliked the act and became further agitated. Many boycotted British goods and bought local goods rather than relying on imported items. Merchants even agreed to not import goods. -
The Boston Massacre was a bloody riot that ended with a death toll of five and six injured. It all began with the harassment of a British soldier and escalated to various soldiers and colonists "fighting" with one another until someone allegedly heard "fire" and soldiers fired into the crowd. This incident infuriated the colonists and helped paint the picture of the British as "heartless." This helped spark the anti-British ideas and rallied more support for the idea of independence. -
On the night of December 16, 1773, Samuel Adams led a group of men disguised as Mohawk Indians onto 3 British Ships and dumped tea imported in by the East India Company. The Tea Act had been recently passed and allowed the East India Company to bypass wholesalers in America and sell tea directly to the colonies. This decreased smuggled tea but to the colonists it lowered their sense of independence. The British government seemed to not have the control they believed they had over the colonies. -
The Coercive Acts were a series of Acts imposed by the British Parliament. The Boston Port Act closed the Boston port, stopping imports into Boston. The Massachusetts government Act stripped the colonial Charter and placed the colonies under the direct rule of the British Empire. The Administration of Justice Act placed trials for royal officials outside the colonies. A new Quartering Act was placed, and the Quebec Act was passed. Colonists retaliated and rallied support for independence. -
This was the second Quartering Act placed and known as one of the five "Intolerable Acts." This act allowed royal governors to place soldiers in homes and buildings to provide shelter rather than colonial legislatures as in the previous Quartering Act. Colonists were enraged at this act and the other "Intolerable" Acts. -
This Act was placed in order to satisfy the residents of Quebec and removing reason to side with the very agitated American colonies. This act expanded the boundaries of Quebec to areas west near the Mississippi River and as far south to the Ohio River. Many were French residents, which caused for French laws and customs to prevail. This led the colonies to further feel opposition towards the British and support for independence. (*Usually associated with the Coercive/ intolerable Acts)