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The Townshend Act
The Townshend Act imposed taxes on a variety of items imported into the colonies, including glass, lead, paint, paper, and tea. The colonies wanted to start producing their own goods instead of relying on the British, so the British decided to tax items that they believed would be difficult for them to produce. The Colonies felt angry and began boycotting British products. -
Proclamation of 1763
This Act established boundaries for Europeans and Native Americans in terms of where they may live in America, as Native Americans were upset that the colonies were settling on their territories. Americans could move between the Atlantic coast and the Appalachian Mountains, but not to the west. Except for traders, no citizens or colonial governments could communicate with Native Americans. Some colonists disliked the idea of trade and migration restrictions because they wanted better farmlands. -
The Sugar Act
The Sugar Act was passed by parliament, which lowered the tax on molasses but limited the trade of other goods and made severe consequences if goods were being smuggled. Britain wanted to prevent anymore smuggling. The American colonists continued protesting for their rights and representation in the parliament so they can get their voices heard and get control over themselves. -
The Currency Act
The Currency Act took control over the Colonies currency system.The Colonists would use Bills of Credits as a form of payment since gold and silver were hard to obtain, this made trade much easier. The act had prohibited this form of payment in trades. Colonies would protest against this act along with the Sugar Act since they weren't getting represented in parliament and being unfairly treated. -
The Stamp Act
The Stamp Act was a tax that was imposed on any paper items for example calendars, documents, letters, and etc. . This act was to repay back all the war debt Britain was in from the Seven Years War. The colonists protested that it was unconstitutional and demanded to be heard. -
Declaratory Act
The Declaratory Act was passed shortly after the Stamp Act was repealed to strengthen their control over the colonies, allowing them to tax them or have the authority to pass any necessary laws, as the British state "in all cases whatsoever". This Act, however, did not cause much concern among the colonists until later. -
The Quartering Act 1765
The Quartering Act 1765 had the colonies basically take care of British troops like providing food and any drinks along with resources like fuel and transportation. The colonists did not enjoy this since it was costly to them. -
The Boston Massacre
This incident occurred as a result of Britain placing heavy taxes on the colonies, such as the Townshend Acts. A couple of colonists confronted eight British officers, who shot muskets at them for threatening and insulting them. Five colonists were killed by officers on the streets of Boston. This caused more arguments between the colonists and the officers. The British officers were put in jail, and the victims were honored. -
The Quebec Act
The Quebec Act was a result of Britain winning land that once belonged to France. This act was to establish governance in Quebec that preserves the civil code of France. The motivation behind this was so Britain could earn the loyalty of french civilians. Since Britain wanted to gain loyalty they expanded Quebecs territory causing it to move colonial settlers. The colonists didn't like how Britain favored them. -
The Boston Tea Party
Aside from the tea tax, the colonists were able to repeal many acts. So colonists boycotted and smuggled tea. Britain then made tea cheap but then taxed when getting to ports. All colonists were angered by the tax and formed the Sons of Liberty who protested and advocated "No taxation without Representation." One night a group of men with some Sons of liberty members decided to dress in Native American garments and boarded a ship to throw 324 chests of tea in the water as a form of protest. -
The Intolerable Acts/Coercive Acts
The British carried out four Coercive Acts in response to the colonist's rebellion. This included closing the harbor in response to the Boston Tea Party, forming a council that gave military governors more power and limited town meetings, protecting British officials during offenses, and finally allowing British troops to live in the colonies. This brought the colonies together and led the first Continental Congress to seek a way to approach the British government. -
The Quartering Act 1774
The Quartering Act allowed British soldiers to house inside the homes of American colonies if needed. American colonies were furious with this law since their consent was not needed and were obligated to listen.