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Proclamation of 1763
This proclamation prohibited colonial settlement west of the Appalachian Mountains, reserving that territory for Native American tribes. The Proclamation of 1763 angered colonists, who viewed it as hindering westward expansion and encroaching on the land they earned during the French and Indian War. The British government implemented it to pacify Native American tribes, prevent conflicts, and to stabilize new territories and safeguard British interests. Picture: ("Proclamation of 1763") -
Sugar Act of 1764
The Sugar Act aimed to raise revenue from the American colonies by increasing duties on imported sugar and other goods such as textiles, coffee, wines, and indigo. Colonists saw the Sugar Act as taxation without representation, sparking resentment and protests. Smuggling also surged as colonists evaded the new duties. The British defended the act to raise revenue for colony defense, enforcing it rigorously and cracking down on smuggling. Picture: (Triber) -
Stamp Act of 1765
The Stamp Act imposed a direct tax on printed materials like newspapers and legal documents by requiring them to bear a stamp purchased from British authorities. The Stamp Act caused colonial outrage due to its perceived breach of rights. Colonists boycotted, protested, and formed groups like the Sons of Liberty. British repeal in 1766 followed colonial opposition, but the Declaratory Act asserted continued British authority over colonial legislation. Picture: ("Stamp Act Congress") -
Townshend Acts of 1767
The Townshend Acts imposed costs on imported goods like glass, paint and tea, with the revenue intended to pay colonial officials and maintain British troops in America. Colonists protested and boycotted. This movement caused economic hardship in Britain, leading merchants to push for the repeal of the acts. The British Parliament repealed most Townshend duties in 1770 except for the tea tax, amidst escalating tensions that culminated in the Boston Massacre. Picture: ("Townshend Acts") -
Tea Act of 1773
The Tea Act gave the British East India Company a monopoly on tea sales in the colonies, allowing direct sales to colonists and lowering prices by bypassing colonial merchants. The Tea Act sparked colonial outrage, leading to the Boston Tea Party where colonists dumped tea into Boston Harbor. In response, the British enacted the Coercive Acts in 1774, tightening control over Massachusetts and aggravating tensions that fueled the Revolutionary War. Picture: (Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum)