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The Sugar Act
Lowered tax on molasses but enforced it strictly to stop smuggling. Added taxes on sugar, coffee, and wines.
Colonists' were upset, especially merchants, as It hurt trade profits. Felt their economy was being controlled.
The British government insisted it was fair for colonists to help pay the war debts. -
The Stamp Act
Required all legal documents, newspapers, and other papers to use special taxed stamps
Colonists' reaction was widespread protests and boycotts. "No taxation without representation" became the rallying cry.
The British government withdrew the Stamp Act in 1766 due to resistance but issues the Declaratory Act to maintain authority. -
The Quartering Act
Required colonists to house and supply British soldiers stationed in America.
Colonists felt it was unfair, especially as they had no say in the whole decision. New York though resisted strongly.
British government suspended New York's assembly because of it until they would comply. -
The Townshend Acts
Placed taxes in imports like tea, glass, and paper to fund the British officials.
Colonists boycotted British goods, they felt Britain was limiting their control.
British government partially revoked the taxes in 1770 but kept the tax on tea to show their power. -
The Tea Act
Allowed British tea to be sold cheaper than smuggled tea, undercutting colonial merchants.
Colonists viewed it as a trick to accept the British taxes, this would lead to the Boston Tea Party.
British Government retaliated with the Intolerable Acts in 1774 to punish Massachusetts, creating even worse tensions between them.