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Navigation Acts
The Navigation Acts were trade rules that governed commerce between Great Britain and the colonies. The laws composing the Navigation Acts were designed to protect British economic interests in colonial trade and to protect its industry against the rapidly growing Dutch navigation trade. -
1754-1763 French and Indian War
The French and Indian War began in 1754 and ended with the Treaty of Paris in 1763. The war provided Great Britain with enormous territorial gains in North America; however, arguments over frontier policy and paying the war’s expenses ultimately led to the American Revolution.The French and Indian War resulted from ongoing frontier tensions in North America as both French and British imperial officials and colonists sought to extend each country’s sphere of influence in frontier regions -
Sugar Act
The Sugar Act enforced the Navigation Acts by prohibiting vessels to directly transport cargo to the colonies. It added hides, skins, potash and other products to the list of items that could be legally exported. The act was strictly enforced by the Vice-Admiralty Courts. -
Stamp Act
The Stamp Act's goal was to raise revenue by requiring the purchase of stamps to be placed on public documents. Violators were to be prosecuted in the vice-admiralty courts. This act marks the first time the British had levied an explicit tax on the colonist for the purpose of raising revenue. Opposition to the tax was widespread as it represented an "infringement" on their rights. Opposition groups, primarily the Sons of Liberty, sprung everywhere. -
Coercive and Intolerable Acts
As a price for the retaliation that occurred during the Boston Tea Party, Britain imposed the Coercive Acts in 1774. The Coercive Acts were composed of five laws: Boston Port Act, Massachusetts Government act, Administration of Justice Act, Quartering Act and Quebec Act.