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First successful settlement in the New World
Jamestown, Virginia was the first successful permanent settlement in America. It proved that settlement was possible and encouraged others to make the journey to the New World. -
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Slavery
In 1619, twenty enslaved Africans were brought to Jamestown by a privateer and its considered the first instance of slavery in British America. Slavery wasn't abolished until 1865. It is important to recognize that even though slavery is terrible and inhumane, it was considered normal and profitable during its time. -
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King George III angers the colonists
King George III ended salutary neglect after the French and Indian War. He saw the colonies as a way to help solve his newfound debt problem. Following the war, Britain passed the Proclamation of 1763, the Stamp Act, the Tea Tax, and the Quartering Act which greatly angered the colonists. -
Proclamation of 1763
After the French and Indian War, King George III banned colonists from settling to the west of the Appalachian Mountains. Those who already lived there were forced to move. -
Stamp Act
The Stamp Act raised the initial concerns over taxation without representations. It allowed Britain to tax all commercial and legal paper, and newspapers in the colonies. It was Britain's way of relieving its newfound debt from the French of Indian War. -
B.W. “To the Inhabitants of the Province of the Massachusetts- Bay,”
This document reveals the colonists reactions to the Stamp Act and taxation without representation in Parliament.
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Letter from John Hughes
This letter to Britain from a stamp collector reveals how Britain believed the colonists anger was unjust and a ruse from Presbytarians to turn colonists against the King.
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Intolerable Acts
Also known as the Coercive Acts by King George III. Four acts targeting Boston and Massachusetts passed by Parliament in order to reassert British authority over the colonies. -
The First Continental Congress
The Congress was compromised of delegates from all colonies except Georgia. They met in Philadelphia to find a peaceful solution to King George III's unfair taxation and Intolerable Acts. They agreed to boycott all British goods until they were rescinded. -
Declaration of Independence
Colonists realized they no longer could find a peaceful solution and were ready to fight for their liberty. The declaration was the culmination of their frustrations with King George's unfairness and end of salutary neglect.
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