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The Sugar Act of 1764
This act was better for the colonists than the previous Molasses Act, which had charged 6 pence for every gallon of molasses. Under this act, (by George Grenville), the colonists only had to pay 3 pence on every gallon of molasses. However, they also had to pay taxes on other items under this act like coffee, lumber, and iron. The colonists reacted by smuggling goods or bribing officials. Parliament then passed the Stamp Act to make up for the lost money on this act. -
The Stamp Act of 1765
This made any printed things in the colonies to have a special stamp. It was the first tax focused on the colonies, and they were afraid of their rights being taken. So, the Stamp Act Congress and The Declaration of Rights and Grievances, which told England that the colonists did not want "taxation without representation” was formed.
Many groups combined to make the Sons of Liberty, led by colonists like Samuel Adams. (Sons of Liberty Flag) England passed the Townshend Acts to gain more control. -
The Quartering Act of 1765
This act made the colonists pay for British soldiers' food and shelter. The soldiers stayed in inns, stables, or houses of those who sold alcohol or were unoccupied. The idea was proposed by Thomas Gage (picture). In 1766, the colonists refused to house 1,500 redcoats in New York City. They had to stay on their ships and one colonist was wounded. Parliament took some of The New York Assembly’s power, but they gave it back after they gave some money to the troops. -
The Townshend Acts
The Townshend Acts included the: Revenue, Indemnity, Commissioners of Customs, Vice Admiralty Court, and New York Restraining Acts. These acts taxed the colonists on all their imports, and they did not like it one bit. Boycotts erupted and smugglers stole goods. The Daughters of Liberty wove textiles so America could depend less on England. So, England sent troops. They arrived in Boston (picture), and tried to enforce the Acts. This would not end well though... (Boston Massacre)... -
The Quartering Act of 1774
Under this act, governors were allowed to house soldiers in buildings like barns or inns. This act did not make the colonists pay for the soldiers to be fed. It also required an agreement for those housing the soldiers. The colonists reacted by calling this and other acts the "Intolerable Acts". It was an improvement from the previous act however, and England continued to use it until March 24, 1776.
