Colonial Resistance Grows Chapter 6, Section 2

Boston Massacre March 5, 1770, a crowd of colonists were protesting British troops. They surrounded British troops in front of the State House. Exchanged insults and threw snowballs. Fearing for their safety, the British fired into the crowd, killing 5 including, Crispus Attucks, a free slave, joining protests in Boston, was one of the victims killed. Crispus Attucks and other victims, considered heroes.

Boston Massacre cont… Soldiers were arrested and charged with murder. John Adams, a lawyer, agreed to defend the soldiers in court. Many colonists criticized Adams and threatened his life. Adams believed that everyone was entitled to a fair trial- demonstrating rule of law. Adams argued in self-defense, and the jury agreed and acquitted the soldiers.

Tea Act Parliament passed the Tea Act in 1773. Gave one company, the East India Company exclusive rights to sell tea in the colonies. Colonists and those who supported smuggled tea from Holland, were outraged by the new tax. Viewed act as another means of Parliament trying to interfere in the economic life of the colonies.

Tea Act

Colonial Unity Expands committees of correspondence- increased communication and organization amongst neighboring towns and colonial leaders. Exchanged numerous secret letters on colonial affairs and resistance to British policy. New York, South Carolina, and Rhode Island had created similar organizations.

Boston Tea Party There was protest throughout many port cities against the tea act. Rotting of tea, and blocking of British ships. Sons of Liberty- December 16, 1773, a group of men disguised as Native Americans boarded three British ships in Boston Harbor and destroyed over 342 chests of tea.

The Townshend Acts are Passed Parliament in 1767 approved the Townshend Acts. Named after Britain's Prime Minster Charles Townshend. Placed duties (taxes) on glass, paper, paint, lead, and tea. writs of assistance- provided British officers search warrants to enter homes and businesses to search for illegal goods.

Anger Over the Townshend Acts Sparked immediate protest amongst the colonists. Upset that Parliament passed an act without their consent. “No taxation, without representation!” Many believed that writs of assistance went against their natural rights, as defined by English philosopher John Locke. “no one ought to harm another in his life, health, liberty, or possessions.”

Political Activism Spreads Daughters of Liberty- female protest organization. Urged colonists to use American products and to weave their own clothing. Fearing disorder, the British stationed more troops Samuel Adams, leader of the Sons of Liberty, stated, “We will destroy every soldier that dare put his foot on shore…I look upon them as foreign enemies!”