Timeline of Revenue Acts

By rcahill24

  • The Sugar Act

    The Sugar Act
    • What the Sugar Act did: gave money to the British by increasing taxes on sugar, molasses, and other goods imported from non-British sources.
    • The Colonists' Reactions: The colonists viewed it as a violation of their rights and an imposition on their economic interests.
    • The British Government's Reaction: The reason for the taxation was to maintain control and generate revenue from the colonies. After they saw such a negative impact, they took away the taxation to try and restore the peace.

  • The Currency Act

    The Currency Act
    • What it did: didn't let the colonies issue their own paper money, and made the British currency the only legal tender in the colonies.
    • The Colonists' Reactions: anger and resentment towards the act because it created economic hardship and debt.
    • The British Government's Reactions: They viewed it as a way to regulate colonial finances and address concerns about the colonial paper money. They thought it would make it easier for the colonies.

  • The Stamp Act

    The Stamp Act
    • What it did: required colonists to pay a tax on any printed materials like legal documents, newspapers, and playing cards.
    • The Colonists' Reaction: everyone was angry, and there were tons of protests. The said, "No Taxation Without Representation," became very popular.
    • The British Government's Reaction: they created this law to raise revenue, but eventually had to repeal the act in 1766 because of the boycotts and riots that were happening.

  • The Quartering Act

    The Quartering Act
    • What it did: required colonists to house and provide supplies to British soldiers stationed in North America
    • The Colonists' Reaction: they viewed this act as a violation of their rights and their liberties. They were also angry about paying for housing and supplies that British soldiers didn't want or need.
    • The British Government's Reaction: they expected the colonists to comply with the law, but when they resisted and refused, they passed more acts to make them agree.

  • The Townshed Acts

    The Townshed Acts
    • What it did: imposed taxes on goods imported into the colonies like tea, glass, lead, paint, and paper
    • The Colonists' Reactions: began to protest and resist, and some resorted to violence against British officials.
    • The British Government's Reactions: attempted to justify the taxation with the theory of virtual representation, but when the colonists continued to boycott and protest, they repealed the act.