U4A1: Timeline of Revenue Acts

By PierreLehn1

  • The Proclamation of 1763

    The Proclamation of 1763
    The Proclamation of 1763 prohibited colonists from settling west of the Appalachian mountains. Colonists reaction: Anger, as they believed the British government was trying to restrict their settling. The American colonists had just finished fighting the French and Indian war, where they gained control of the areas the British were now banning them from. British reaction: Punished those who violated the proclamation by placing troops in the colonies.

  • The Sugar Act

    The Sugar Act
    Increased taxes on sugar imported to the colonies. Colonists reaction: Negative, as the taxes hurt local sellers. Some would turn to smuggling to be able to make profits. The colonists felt that they were being taxed without representation. British reaction: The British cracked down on smuggling and enforced the act although it was extremely unpopular.

  • The Stamp Act

    The Stamp Act
    The act taxed every piece of paper used in the colonies, including cards and newspapers. Colonists reaction: The colonists were outraged as they believed the act taxed them without representation. The colonists staged boycotts and protests. British reaction: Due to extreme backlash and adverse effects on British merchants, the Stamp Act was repealed in 1767.

  • The Townshend Acts

    The Townshend Acts
    The Townshend Acts imposed taxes on many goods, such as glass, paper, paint, lead, and tea. Colonists reaction: The colonists were angry as they were being taxed without representation. Protests and boycotts against British goods were organized. British reaction: The British tried to use military force to enforce the acts but failed, leading to the repeal of the Townshend Acts in 1770 other than the tax on tea.

  • The Tea Act

    The Tea Act
    The Tea Act granted the British East India Company a monopoly on selling tea to the colonies, forcing colonists to pay the remaining Townshend act on tea. Colonists reaction: Anger, as they felt they were being forced to pay the unpopular Townshend act. In Boston, colonists would thrown tea into the water. British reaction: The destruction of tea caused the British to crack down on the colonies and pass the Intolerable acts.