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Proclamation of 1763
This proclamation did not allow colonists to settle west of the Appalachian Mountains. The British government feared the conflict between colonists and Native Americans would lead to another war. They also could not afford to pay British troops to defend the western lands. Colonists were enraged by this proclamation because they felt they had won the right to settle in the Ohio River Valley after winning the French and Indian War. -
Quartering Act
This was a cost saving measure that required the colonies to quarter, or house, British soldiers and provide them with supplies. Most troops were addressed to New York. -
Stamp Act
This law required all legaland commerical documents to carry an official stamp showing that a tax had been paid. The stamp act was a tax applied within the colonies. It fell directly on all colonists. They were being taxed without their consent by a parliament in which they had no voice. -
Townshend Act
Townshend thought that duties which were collected before the goods entered the colonies, would anger the clolonists less than the direct taxes of the Stamp Act. The money raised would be used to pay the salaries of British governors and other officials in the colonies. -
Tea Act /Boston Tea Party
Parliament kept the the tea tax to show that it still had the right to tax the colonists. For most Americans the crisis was over. In Charlestown, South Carolina, colonists unloaded tea and let it rot on the docks. In New York City and Philadelphia colonists blocked tea ships from landing. -
Battles Of Lexington And Cocord
Lexington and Concord were the first battles of the Revolutionary War. Americans would now have to choose sides and back up their political opinions by force of arms. Those who supported the British were called Loyalists. Those who sided with the rebels were Patriots. -
Olive Branch Petition
In July 1775 the Americans send Olive Branch Petition to Britians king. The petition asked king to restore harmony between Britian and the Colonies. -
Declaration of Independence
The group chose Jefferson to compose the declaration because he was a good writer and he was from Virginia. In a few weeks the declaration was done. From this point forward the colonies considered themselves independent.
