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Proclamation of 1763
-This act prohibited colonists from settling beyond the Appalachian Mountains. Colonists that were already there had to return to the east side of the mountains.
-Colonists defied this because they wanted to keep their good farmland and they didn’t want to up and leave their home. -
Sugar Act
-This law made it illegal to import foreign rum and put taxes on luxury items such as silk, coffee, wine, etc.
-The colonists hated these acts and they began to boycott the goods Britain was taxing. This also lead to the start of the phrase "no taxation without representation" because colonists were angered by the fact that they could be taxed but not represented. -
Stamp Act
-Required all legal documents and other things to have a stamp showing that the owner of said document or thing had paid the tax that was required on the item. The taxes started to raise money for the British gov't after the French and Indian War.
-Colonists hated these taxes. Although colonist were used to being taxed, it was never from the British gov't. Protests against the stamp act were held and the most notable group that protested were the "Sons of Liberty". -
Quartering Act
-These acts required all local authorities to find living quarters (or private homes) for British troops to stay in.
-The colonists hated this act, not only because they had to open up their homes to the soldiers, but because they were afraid if they didn't, the army would turn against them. -
Declaratory Acts
-This act was made to ensure that British government could legally tax the colonists as heavily and as frequently as they wanted to.
-This angered the colonists because the act insinuated that more acts like this would follow. -
Townshend Acts
-These acts were a series of laws passed to try to appease the colonists and still get Britain their money back. Charles Townshend, the creator of these acts, figured colonists wouldn’t be as upset if they paid taxes on imported goods instead of paying internal taxes.
-People weren't as angry as they were with the Stamp Act, but were still upset nevertheless. People boycotted by using only handmade items and local products. For example, they used homemade paper and homespun clothes. -
The Intolerable/Coercive Acts
-This was a direct response from the gov’t to the Boston Tea Party. These laws were named Intolerable by the colonists because of their sheer absurdity. The Boston Port bill closed the Boston harbor until the tea was paid for. This threatened the very economy of Boston. Other restrictions include banning town meets and putting restrictions on local authority.
-Obviously and rightfully outraged, these acts caused an even stronger amount of disdain in the colonists hearts towards Britain.