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Events Prior to the American Revolution
Britain's policy was directed toward mercantilism, which is the theory that a country's power depends on its wealth. -
Britain's Policy
Britain's policy was directed toward mercantilism, which is the theory that a country's power depends on its wealth. -
Proclamation of 1763
This was when colonists were forced to settle west of the Appalachian Moutains to prevent conflict with the Native Americans. This enraged the farmers and others who wanted the land. -
Britain's Policy Ended
Due to the French & Indian War, Britain decided to end the policy of Salutary Neglect, due to debt they owed from the war. -
The Stamp Act
This was when the British attached expensive tax stamps to all newspapers and legal documents. The colonists reacted with boycott and protest. The Sons of Liberty were formed during this time against this act. -
The Repealing of the Stamp Act
Nine out of the thirteen colonists sent representatives to the Stamp Act Congress in New York City. Representatives prepared a declaration against the New British actions, which was sent to King George III. This resulted in the British parliament repealing the Stamp Act. -
The Quartering Act
This act made the colonists provide barracks and supplies to British troops. -
Declaratory Act
This act gave Parliament the right to tax and make decisions for the american colonies. -
Townshend Acts
These were a set of laws passed by parliament such as the ones that legalized the use of writs of assistance to assist customs officers in arresting smugglers. The angry colonists caused trouble for the British officials. (Boston Massacre) -
Boston Massacre
The worst incident of violence as a result of the Townshend Acts was the Boston Massacre, where British soldiers killed five people. -
Tea Act
This gave Britain the right to ship tea to the colonies without paying on the tea. In return a group of angry colonists dressed as Native Americans and dumped 342 chests of British Tea in the Boston Harbor. This became known as the Boston Tea Party. -
Revolutionary War Began
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Thomas Paine's Common Sense
This was a pamphlet that called for complete independence from Britain and he argued that it was simply "common sense" to stop following the "royal brute" King George III. Paine also called the coloinists' actions a struggle for freedom.
