Chapter 5, Section 3: A CRISIS OVER TAXES

Setting the Scene Although the colonies chose not to unite for their own defense during the French and Indian War, British policies towards them later would move the colonies towards union.

Ben Franklin did not think the colonies would ever unite, given that they would not do so for the French and Indian War.

New Troubles on the Frontier Clashes with Native Americans/Pontiac’s War As British settlers moved into the Ohio Valley (after the French and Indian War), they often clashed with the Native American tribes living there.

The British sent Lord Jeffrey Amherst to keep order along the frontier. Unlike the French, he did not try to establish good relationships with the Indians. He raised the price of goods traded with them. He allowed English settlers to build farms on Indian lands.

Ottawa Chief Pontiac was outraged and led an attack on British troops at Fort Detroit. Pontiac united with several other Indian Nations and captured most of the British forts along the frontier. This was called Pontiac’s War

Pontiac Legacy

British troops fought back and regained their forts. During this time, the Treaty of Paris was signed. The French could no longer help Native Americans. The Indians gave up their fight against the British. “Bury the hatchet”

What effect did the French have on Pontiac’s War when they signed the Treaty of Paris in 1763? French aid ended no more French support for the Indians war comes to and end

Proclamation of 1763 Drew up an imaginary line along the crest of the Appalachian Mountains. Colonists were forbidden to settle west of

Proclamation of 1763 10,000 British troops were sent to enforce this law. Colonists had to pay for the troops. Many colonists, including Daniel Boone, ignored the law. Boone fought many battles against the Indians.  

What law made it illegal for the colonists to settle on Indian land in the Ohio River Valley? The Proclamation of 1763

BRITAIN IMPOSES NEW TAXES

Sugar Act (1764) – taxes molasses. Important in Triangular Trade This Act actually lowered a higher tax on molasses that already existed. Colonists got around this old tax by smuggling molasses or by bribing customs officials. The Sugar Act actually lowered the tax on molasses, BUT it made it much easier for British officials to charge molasses smugglers as criminals.

Sugar Act

Stamp Act (1765) – taxed legal documents, newspapers, almanacs, playing cards, and dice Once the tax was paid, the item received a special stamp.  

No Taxation Without Representation!

Britain’s Argument The British spent a lot of money protecting the colonies during the French and Indian War. So much money, that Britain was in debt. Britain felt that since the colonies gained the most from the war, they should help pay for some of the war’s cost. The colonists actually paid lower taxes than anyone in Britain. Why are they upset about these taxes?

The Colonists’ Argument Because they had no representatives in Parliament, the colonists should not have to pay taxes imposed by it. Only legislatures in the colonies had the right to impose new taxes because the colonists elected their representatives. They had a say. The colonists would pay taxes only if their own colonial legislatures passed them.

ACTION! Riots broke out, tax collectors were attacked with rocks. Some were even tarred and feathered by colonists.

Moving Towards Unity 1765 – Colonists set up Stamp Act Congress, which drew up petitions against the new taxes but Parliament paid little attention. Colonists began to boycott British goods. Trade fell by 14% - the boycott worked. 1766 – Britain repeals the Stamp Act.  

Stamp Act Congress

The Townshend Acts (1767) taxed glass, paint, paper, lead, and tea Again, the colonists protested, claiming no taxation without representation. To stop smuggling, Britain used writs of assistance to search ships without a reason. The colonists were furious about this – it was a clear violation of their right to privacy.  

Colonial Protests Widen Merchants in the colonies sign the non-importation agreements. The Sons of Liberty and Daughters of Liberty are formed. Protest organizations

New Leaders Emerge In Massachusetts Samuel Adams – good at organizing people, arranging protests, and gaining public support. John Adams – Skilled lawyer, heavy knowledge of British law. Mercy Otis Warren & Abigail Adams – used their writing skills of get the colonists to act. They also called for greater rights for women in the colonies.

In Virginia George Washington (and others) protest the Townshend Acts. Patrick Henry – stirring speech maker in the House of Burgesses.

Why did the British start Taxing the colonists after 1763? They felt that the colonists should help pay for some of the cost of the French and Indian War.

This act taxed molasses. Sugar Act

Upset about the taxes imposed By Parliament? Why were the colonists Upset about the taxes imposed By Parliament? They felt that they were not getting any representation in Parliament.

Britain Takes Action Quartering Act – British law stating that the colonists had to provide housing, candles, bedding, and beverages to soldiers stationed in the colonies. Britain sends additional soldiers to the colonies to protect customs officials, tax collectors, from local citizens. The colonists see these soldiers as a way for Britain to bully them into paying taxes.

The Boston Massacre March 5, 1770 – a crowd gathers at the Boston customs house. They begin to taunt the British guards stationed there. The crowd yells at them and begins to throw things at them. The British soldiers panic and fire into the crowd – killing five colonists.

The soldiers are brought to trial and John Adams represents them. Paul Revere riles people up with an engraving of the event (which might not be an accurate representation – see page 148) and Samuel Adams wrote letters expressing his outrage at the killings. The soldiers are brought to trial and John Adams represents them. Adams wanted to show the world that the colonists believed in justice, even if the British government did not. He showed that the colonists provoked the soldiers, so they were punished mildly. Sam Adams forms a committee of correspondence, which eventually become a major tool of protest in all the colonies.

The Boston Massacre

A Temporary Calm Coincidentally, on the same day as the Boston Massacre, Parliament repealed the Townshend Acts. All the taxes are dropped – except the tax on tea. King George III wanted to keep the tea tax in order to “keep the right” of Parliament to tax the colonists. Most colonists dismiss the tea tax and end their boycott of British goods.

Which act forced colonists To provide housing and other Materials to British soldiers? Quartering Act

Why did John Adams agree to represent the British soldiers involved in the Boston Massacre at their trial? Adams wanted to prove that the colonists believed in a fair trial and justice for all.