History Rev

Geographic Considerations - The distance of the colonies from Great Britain created a independence that was hard to overcome. Those willing to colonize the new world generally had a strong independent streak desiring new opportunities and more freedom
• 1754-1763 - French and Indian War
This war between Britain and France ended with the victorious British deeply in debt and demanding more revenue from the colonies. With the defeat of the French, the colonies became less dependent on Britain for protection.

• 1763 - Proclamation of 1763
This prohibited settlement beyond the Appalachian Mountains. While Britain did not intend to harm the colonists, many colonists took offense at this order.

• 1764 - Sugar Act
This act raised revenue by increasing duties on sugar imported from the West Indies.

• 1764 - Currency Act
Parliament argued that colonial currency had caused a devaluation harmful to British trade. They banned American assemblies from issuing paper bills or bills of credit.

• 1764 - Committees of Correspondence
Organized by Samuel Adams, these helped spread propaganda and information through letters.

• 1765 - Quartering Act
Britain ordered that colonists were to house and feed British soldiers if necessary.

• 1765 - Stamp Act
This required tax stamps on many items and documents including playing cards, newspapers, and marriage licenses. Prime Minister George Grenville stated that this direct tax was intended for the colonies to pay for defense. Previous taxes imposed by Britain had been indirect, or hidden.
• → United colonial opposition, affects EVERYONE
◦ 1765 - Stamp Act Congress
In 1765, 27 delegates from nine colonies met in New York City and drew up a statement of rights and grievances thereby bringing colonies together in opposition to Britain.
◦ Result: Andrew Oliver (Stamp Collector) hanged in effigy by Ebenezer Macintosh and with a crowd demolished stamp office and ransacked his house
◦ 1765 Nonimportation: Boycott until stamp act repealed, no purchase of brithis goods
• 1767 - Townshend Acts
These taxes were imposed to help make the colonial officials independent of the colonists and included duties on glass, paper, and tea. Smugglers increased their activities to avoid the tax leading to more troops in Boston.

• 1770 - Boston Massacre
The colonists and British soldiers openly clashed in Boston. This event was used as an example of British cruelty despite questions about how it actually occurred.

• 1773 - Tea Act
To assist the failing British East India Company, the Company was given a monopoly to trade tea in America.
◦ 1773 - Boston Tea Party
A group of colonists disguised as Indians dumped tea overboard from three ships in Boston Harbor.
• 1774 - Intolerable Acts
These were passed in response to the Boston Tea Party and placed restrictions on the colonists including outlawing town meetings and the closing of Boston Harbor.