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End of French and Indian War
The French and Indian War ended in 1763 with the signing of the Treaty of Paris, which significantly expanded British territorial claims in North America. The colonists initially celebrated the victory but soon grew resentful of the subsequent British policies and taxes imposed to pay for the war debt, leading to increased tensions. -
Sugar Act
The Sugar Act of 1764 was a British law that imposed taxes on sugar and molasses imported into the American colonies to raise revenue. The colonists reacted with strong opposition, protesting against the economic burden and the principle of taxation without representation. -
Stamp Act
The Stamp Act of 1765 was a British law that required American colonists to purchase a stamp for every piece of paper they used, including newspapers, legal documents, and playing cards, effectively imposing a direct tax on them.The American colonists reacted to the Stamp Act with widespread outrage and resistance. They organized protests, formed groups, and initiated boycotts of British goods, all while arguing that it was unfair to be taxed without their consent. -
Declaratory Act
The Declaratory Act was a law passed by the British Parliament in 1766, stating that they had the right to make laws and impose taxes on the American colonies "in all cases whatsoever." This act was passed alongside the repeal of the Stamp Act, aiming to assert Parliament's authority over the colonies.The colonies reacted with concern and resentment, fearing it signaled continued British attempts to control and tax them without representation. -
Townshend Act
The Townshend Acts of 1767 imposed duties on imported goods such as glass, lead, paints, paper, and tea in the American colonies. The revenue collected from these duties was used to pay the salaries of colonial governors and judges, aiming to assert British control and reduce colonial self-governance. The colonists reacted strongly against the Townshend Acts, organizing widespread boycotts of British goods and increasing their protests and resistance. -
Tea Act
The Tea Act of 1773 was a piece of legislation passed by the British Parliament that granted the British East India Company the exclusive right to ship tea directly to the American colonies without paying the usual taxes, effectively creating a monopoly and undercutting colonial merchants. The colonists reacted with strong opposition, most famously culminating in the Boston Tea Party, where they dumped an entire shipment of tea into Boston Harbor. -
Beginning of the Revolutionary war
The Revolutionary War began in 1775 as tensions between the American colonies and British authorities escalated into open conflict. The colonists reacted with a mix of fear and determination, rallying militias and preparing for a prolonged struggle for their freedom.