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Sugar Act
Lowers taxes from the molasses act, but puts an indirect tax on the cost of sugar. The goal was to decrease smuggling. This act also issued the Writs of Assistance, which allows the government to search property without a warrant. -
Stamp Act
It is a direct tax on all printed goods, which is paid separate from the item. Colonists felt their rights were violated with this additional tax. Groups were formed to fight against this tax, including the sons of liberty and the daughters of liberty. They started boycotts and non importation agreements. Some also used violent or illegal methods, such as tarring and feathering. -
Quartering Act
Thousands of soldiers were shipped to the new world. they needed places to live, so the quartering act was created. This stated that Americans must house and feed soldiers in the colonies, without their consent. -
Tea Act
The British East India Company was in danger of bankruptcy, so they were granted a monopoly. This act also placed a tax on tea. The Sons of Liberty assemble to react and protest. -
Boston Tea Party
The colonists were outraged with the tea tax, so they protested in a big way. They dumped between 1 and 3 million dollars worth of tea overboard, turning the water brown for days. The king said they were," A threat to British rule." -
First Continental Congress
This was set up in response to the intolerable acts. They had two main questions, what were their rights and how should they defend them. They started boycotts and Non importation agreements. They wanted to make sure that the British wouldn't take their rights away without a fight. -
Lexington and Concord
There was a militia forming in MA. The king's goal was to seize leaders and munitions. The British planned the attack very poorly. The British were spotted early so colonists were ready to fight. In the end, the British find nothing and lose 273 soldiers. America only loses 95. This is a huge morale booster for the Americans. It also revealed what Britain's plan was. -
2nd Continential Congress
The main question was whether or not they should go to war. Not everyone agreed on this. John Adams urges independence, while John Dickenson urges a petition. They decide to fight, and choose Washington as their leader. They also create the olive branch petition and the declaration of independence. This lead to the battle of bunker hill. -
Olive Branch Petition
1) Cease Fire in Boston
2) The king must repeal the acts
3) The king has to define colonial rights
The king sees the Olive Branch Petition as a joke. He declares the colonies in a state of rebellion. The colonies actually start to bond. -
Battle of Bunker Hill
The British invade the Colonists. The colonists had a limited amount supplies, while the British had an endless amount. Even with this, the American's inflicted a large number of casualties against the British. Despite the loss, the Americans were given hope and a high morale.