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The war between Britain and France in North America ended with British victory, but it left Britain in heavy debt. Colonist Reaction: Colonists were glad the war was over, but Britain soon started taxing them to pay for it, which caused anger. -
Description: This law taxed sugar, molasses, and other goods imported into the colonies to help Britain pay war debts. Colonist Reaction: Colonists were angry about taxation without representation and began smuggling to avoid the tax. -
Description: Colonists had to buy stamps for printed items like newspapers, licenses, and legal documents. Colonist Reaction: Widespread protests and boycotts broke out; some colonists even burned stamped papers. -
Description: After repealing the Stamp Act, Parliament passed this law to say it still had total power over the colonies. Colonist Reaction: Colonists were suspicious and worried Britain wouldn’t stop interfering. -
Description: Britain placed taxes on glass, paper, paint, lead, and tea to raise money from the colonies. Colonist Reaction: Colonists protested again, and violence increased—leading to events like the Boston Massacre. -
Description: Gave the British East India Company control to sell cheap tea directly to colonists, hurting local merchants. Colonist Reaction: The Boston Tea Party was organized, and angry colonists dumped British tea into the harbor. -
Description: British troops clashed with colonial militias at Lexington and Concord—the first battles of the war. Colonist Reaction: Colonists officially took up arms, and the fight for independence began.