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Navigation Acts
A series of acts between 1651 and 1773, including the Molasses Act. Its purpose was mainly to keep Britain shipping items and maintain the monopoly of Britain colonial trade. It made sure shipping from British colonies only happened with British ships. This was a plan for more profit in the British, yet the Americans did not like this. This forced them to buy items from the pricey British or had to be native. -
The Sugar Act
The Sugar Act of 1764 was a revenue act that raised taxes for sugar and molasses. Previous attempts to collect taxes were failed, so the British wanted to effectively collect taxes with this act. This lead to bad reactions from the Americans in the colonies, and ended up with British business boycotts and petitions against the act. The British attempt to gain more profit from the sugar trade lead to conflicts. -
The Stamp Act
The Stamp Act put high taxes on any printed material, making it necessary for papers to be stamped. It was designed to make large gains for the British military establishment. It was very unpopular among the Americans in the colonies, and it was agreed that it was a violation of the right to be taxed with consent. -
Repeal of Stamp Act
Delegates from 9 colonies were sent to New York to go to the Stamp Act Congress. It was decided that British subjects in the colonies had the same rights as people in England. Therefore, the Stamp Act was stopped, and was not used. -
Declaratory Act
This act was passed to affirm its domination and power over the colonies, in all cases. It stated that the British government had the same authority in Britain and America, and the ability to make laws passed in both continents. Although this was an act beneficial to the British, there was not much reaction from the Americans, as they were busy celebrating the repealing of the Stamp Act. -
Townshend Acts
Four acts established between June 15 and July 2, made to increase the revenue to pay for salaries of British governors and officials. Named after Charles Townshend, the chancellor of exchequer who sponsored them. Duties were due for many objects like glass and paints. Many merchants organized boycotts. Customs officials were also always harassed.
