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Period of Salutary Neglect
Britain introduced this policy that relaxed restrictions on American trade. This allowed smuggling non-British goods as long as a profit was being turned. Because of this, American Colonists saw themselves as independent. -
Parliament passes the Stamp Act
The Stamp Act created a tax on all paper products. Colonists saw it as a threat because it was passed when the colonies were facing an economic crisis, it was seen as an attempt to control the internal workings of the colonies, and it was much more direct. -
Andrew Oliver's Mock Funeral
The Boston Sons of Liberty, led by Ebenezer Mackintosh, protested against the Stamp Act by creating an effigy of stamp distributor Andrew Oliver, parading it through the streets, and eventually burning it along with the Boston stamp office. This caused Oliver to step down from his position. It was one of many examples of a targeted revolt against British authorities. -
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Stamp Act Congress meets in New York
The Stamp Act Congress was composed of leaders in the rebellion against British Parliament and the Stamp Act. 27 delegates from 9 colonies petitioned for the Stamp Act to be repealed. They argued that taxation without representation was tyranny, and encouraged colonists to boycott British goods. -
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Townshend Acts
British import tax on colonists on goods like glass, lead, paint, paper, and tea. Colonists were infuriated and created organized protests. Many colonists boycotted British goods and led to violence between British soldiers and colonists. -
Women Aid in Patriot Cause
“300 Mistresses of Families, in which number the Ladies of the HIghest Rank and Influence” sign a petition saying they will not drink tea. Dozens of women follow suit and this shows the power of women. Women are committed to the cause and support change behind the scenes by making their own cloth and boycotting British goods. -
Boston Massacre
Men and young boys begin harassing British soldiers stationed in the city. Angry crowd forms in front of the Boston Customs House, snowballs and stones fly. A gun fired and many followed, leading to 5 dead colonist men. Colonists began to see tyranny in British rule after this event. -
Tea Act
This act gave Britain’s East India Company a monopoly over tea. Colonists had to purchase their tea from the East India Company. The Tea Act resulted in colonial protests. -
Boston Tea Party
A rally against the British tax policy, organized by the Sons of Liberty. Fifty men raided three British ships. Around 40 tons of tea were thrown off the ships into Boston Harbor. The Boston Tea Party resulted in the Intolerable Acts being passed. -
Intolerable Acts
A series of harsh measures passed in retaliation for the Boston Tea Party. This includes the port of Boston being closed and the expansion of the Quartering Acts to allow for the lodging of soldiers. Also the power of Massachusetts was reduced by increasing the power of the Royal Governor.