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The end of the French and Indian War
The signing of the Treaty of Paris marked the end the Seven Years War.
The American colonists were left discontent and angry at the British government because of the imposition of new taxes. -
The Sugar Act
This act cut the tax on Caribbean imports, but caused the British government to enforce smuggling laws.
The Sugar Act meant that British courts had the right to try smugglers, and were much harsher in comparison, meaning that rum and other smuggled goods, on average, were much more expensive now. -
The Stamp Act
Every printed piece of merchandise had to have a stamp, which cost the colonists more money.
This caused more unrest in the colonies as the cost of living was growing. -
The Declaratory Act
This act gave Britain the power to pass any law without any say from the colonists.
This gave the colonist less power, less freedom, and less representation in parliament, which heavily effected the taxes passed. -
The Townshend Act
This act added taxes on tea, glass, lead, paint, and paper. To support the cost of governing.
In response, the colonists discouraged buying British importations. -
The Tea Act
The tea act cuts the cost of tea for the struggling British East Indian trade company, which cuts business for local colonial merchants. Colonists believed that it was a ploy to make them support previously employed taxes and make them pay more for tea, which previously they could smuggle for cheaper. -
The Revolution
In response to the unfair taxes that had been placed on the colonists, they declared war on Britain. Many colonists were in favor of the war, as it would mean that they would finally be free, but many believed it would only cause more death.