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Proclamation Line of 1763
The proclamation line was marked by Britain at the Eastern Continental Divide point (near Appalachians). The goal was to stop Anglo-Americans, aka European colonists, from intruding onto the territory of Native Americans. It was determined that all land West of the Mountains was for natives only. Before this... Pontiac, a native, attacked the British..speeding up the line's progression. Colonist exploration was quickly shut down.
Colonist's Response:
Colonists ignored the rule and settled West. -
Sugar Act
The goal of the Sugar Act enacted in 1764 was to prevent the smuggling of goods (sugar and molasses) occurring through the colonies. At the time non-British Carribean ships were smuggling these goods at the sight of boycotting from colonists. With this act in place, British officers could search colonial ships to end this practice. Other products had to be shipped solely from colonies to Britain. Taxes were placed. Reactions:
Protesting began to occur from colonists.
-Massachusets meeting** -
Currency Act
During 1764 no specific form of currency was enforced in England, leaving colonists to use "bills of credit" as a way of payment. These bills, having no proper form of measurement, stirred up a great ordeal of confusion. As a result, Parliament passed the Currency Act, which gave the British full control over currency. While it fixed the confusion error, it forced colonists to rely on British coins.
Reactions:
Colonists were very upset at the lack of representation, leading them to protest. -
Stamp Act
The Stamp Act was passed in 1765 and imposed taxes on the colonists in Great Britain. The act enforced stamps on all taxed products, forcing colonists to pay the taxes due for each item. It quickly caused an immense uproar from colonists facing poverty. Great Britain enforced the law in hopes of paying back the debt they faced post French & Indian War. Colonist's reactions:
Colonists were extremely discontent at the passing of this new policy. They began to boycott products, adding to debt. -
Quartering Act of 1765
Quarter=(place someone would rest)
Great Britain created the Quartering Act: a law that forced colonists to allow British soldiers to reside in their homes. These soldiers were sent to protect the colonies from the natives inhabiting the area. Colonist's Reactions:
The colonists were becoming very upset, with this act adding to their anger. Originally the colonists disagreed with the idea of having a "standing army" (permanent army). They felt this act was a way of secretly forcing taxes. -
Declaratory Act
The Declaratory Act was passed by Great Britain on the same day the Stamp Act was repealed. Britain stated that while the Stamp Act was not done away with, Britain undoubtedly had the power to tax subjects in North America. Throughout it's explained that the colonies are still dependent on the empire and that the country still has power to bind the citizens.
How colonists felt:
A majority of colonists were not overly upset regarding this act, however over time their anger grew after limitations -
Townshend Act
Charles Townshend, British treasurer, thought it wise to create an Act that allowed Britain to gain profit by taxing colonial imports - among these being tea, paper, and lead. He figured colonists would rather pay taxes for imported goods than local products. Colonists heavily disapproved. John Dickinson wrote letters claiming the term "taxation without representation" as a rebuttal.
Reactions:
Bostonians despised this act and started a massive riot. Boston Massacre began killing 5 colonists. -
Boston Massacre
In early 1770 a vicious fight broke between protesting colonists and soldiers in Downtown Boston. As a result of acts created by Britain, colonists were more than angry. A crowd of upset colonists gathered outside the Custom's house in Boston, beginning to harass. Once soldiers stood outside among them a dare was made for the soldiers to fire their guns. Startled, the soldiers shot, killing five and wounding others.
Reactions:
The massacre fueled colonist's anger, using it as propaganda. -
Boston Tea Party
After continuous protests from Bostonians and colonists, a group of Bostonians dressed as "mohawk indians" boarded three British vessels. The plan was to dump ~314 chests of tea into the Boston Harbor. The goal of the protestors was to issue the statement "No taxation without representation" while rebelling. Unfortunately, Britain did not take this well AT ALL, deeming the actions to be treason.
Reactions:
Afterward, colonists began to exude violence: physically abusing tax collectors. -
Intolerable Acts (Coercive Acts)
The British decided to punish the Bostonians. The Intolerable Acts were a series of acts that further restrained colonists.
The Four Acts: Boston Port: Closed the port of Boston, revoking imported products. Massachusetts Government: Restructured the government to give those appointed more power.
Administration of Justice: royal officers tried in other colonies.
Quartering Act Reaction:
Colonies shipped food to Boston as an act of support. Then representatives petitioned against Parliament. -
Quebec Act
The Quebec Act, passed by England, issued the plan to place down a new civil government in the Province of Quebec (Canada). In an attempt to gain the loyalty of the French Canadians residing there, the British listened to their complaints and gifted multiple freedoms. The citizens were now allowed to practice religion and taxes were exhibited.
Reactions:
This completely angered American colonists who felt it was a plan to prevent the French from joining the Revolution. Viewed as coercion. -
Quartering Act 1774
The last of the four Intolerable/Coercive Acts, the Quartering Act of 1774 restricted colonists further. It's rules stated that colonists were forced to allow British soldiers into their homes and even buildings. The British hoped that by doing this colonists would recognize their status and stop protesting. This act, however, had the opposite effect. Reactions:
Colonists, fueled further, created the first Continental Congress in Philadelphia. This united the colonies who strived for freedom.