M2A9: Timeline of Revenue Acts

  • Sources

    Sources

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  • Proclamation of 1763

    Proclamation of 1763

    What was it
    This act said that all land west of the Appalachian Mountains was reserved for the Native Americans.
    The Colonists Reaction

    Many of the Colonists ignored the proclamation and continued to settle in land past the Appalachian Mountains. Even George Washington bought land in the area.
    The British Government's Reaction
    British soldiers forced settlers back over the Appalachian Mountains, sometimes burning settlements they found.
  • The Sugar Act

    The Sugar Act

    What was it
    The Sugar Act taxed 3 pence per pound of sugar.
    The Colonists Reaction

    The colonists were angry that they were being taxed without a say in the matter. This is where no taxation without representation came from.
    The British Government's Reaction
    They said the acts were fair and lawful, and they mostly ignored the colonists for a while.
  • The Stamp Act

    The Stamp Act

    What was it
    The Stamp Act required all paper to have a stamp that showed the tax had been paid.
    The Colonists Reaction

    Some colonists, especially in places like Boston, were very angry and had riots. The Stamp Act Congress was formed, where they agreed that they wouldn't pay taxes that they didn't have a say in.
    The British Government's Reaction
    They sent soldiers to enforce the taxes and keep peace. Soon, however, the British repealed the Stamp Act to keep the colonists happy.
  • The Quartering Act

    The Quartering Act

    What was it
    The American colonists would have to house the British soldiers and pay for their food and lodging
    The Colonists Reaction

    The New York Provincial Assembly refused to give housing to British troops in 1766. Many of the colonies did not obey this act, and they found ways to avoid having to house troops.
    The British Government's Reaction
    Parliament suspended New York's governor and legislature for what happened. It never went through because New York soon complied.
  • Townshed

    Townshed

    What was it
    The Townshed Act charged a tax on imported goods such as paper, lead, paint, glass, and tea
    The Colonists Reaction

    The colonists were angry, and in Boston, where the taxes were collected, there were riots, and the Boston Massacre followed as tensions ran high
    The British Government's Reaction
    The British thought the colonists would be fine with this tax, but they were wrong. They eventually repealed most of the taxes, but not on tea. This led to the Boston Tea Party.