-
The proclamation of 1763
This proclamation restricted colonial expansion westward beyond the Appalachian Mountains, aiming to prevent conflicts with Native Americans. Colonists were angered because they felt it limited their freedom to settle on new lands. Colonists ignored the proclamation and settled beyond the boundary with few consequences from the government. -
The Stamp Act (1764)
This act required that many printed materials in the colonies be produced on stamped paper produced in London, carrying an embossed revenue stamp. It affected a wide array of documents, like newspapers, and licenses, and was met with significant opposition and protests from colonists. Throughout the colonies, a network of secret organizations known as the Sons of Liberty was created, aimed at intimidating the stamp agents who collected Parliament's taxes. The Government repealed the Act in 1766. -
The Sugar Act (1764)
This act aimed to raise revenue by taking sugar and molasses imported into the colonies. It also strengthened enforcement of smuggling laws and aimed to reduce the widespread practice of smuggling in the colonies. Colonists answered with protest. In Massachusetts, participants in a town meeting cried out against taxation without proper representation in Parliament, and suggested some form of united protest throughout the colonies. Merchants organized boycotts of British imported goods. -
The Quartering Act (1765)
This act required colonial assemblies to provide housing, food, and other supplies for British troops stationed in the colonies. Colonists saw it as an imposition and infringement on their rights. This new act allowed royal governors, to find homes and buildings to quarter or house British soldiers. This only further enraged the colonists by having what appeared to be foreign soldiers boarded in American cities and taking away their authority to keep the soldiers distant. -
The Townshend Acts (1767)
A series of measures imposed taxes on goods imported into the colonies, including glass, tea, paper, and paint. The revenue generated was used to pay colonial governors and judges, reducing colonial control over these officials. the Acts sparked widespread protests and the boycotts of British goods. For a second time, many colonists protested.