Road to the Revolution US History

French and Indian War (1756-1763) French expands territory in North America Britain and French fought for control of the Ohio River Valley Colonists favor Britain because they still consider themselves British British won

Victory Brings New Problems Native American conflict leads to the Proclamation Line of 1763 Britain established a western border for the colonies

Mercantilism The belief that colonies exist to benefit the economy of the mother country. American Colonies must trade raw materials (lumber, cotton, indigo, etc.) to only Britain. American Colonies must import manufactured products (furniture, paper, clothing etc.) from only Britain.

Results Developed a monopoly (control of supply/trade) for British companies that was financially beneficial. Forced colonists to sell raw materials at low prices to Britain and purchase expensive British products.

What are taxes?

British Law and Taxes British Parliament decided to tax American colonies. Parliament = British representative assembly (legislature) that passed laws in England and the colonies Why? To pay for French & Indian War debt. To pay for 10,000 British soldiers stationed in N. America.

Sugar Act (1764) Imposed a tax on sugar and molasses coming from the Caribbean. Results: The price for sugar and molasses increased for colonists. Some colonists began to smuggle sugar and molasses. Helped cause the American Revolution.

The Stamp Act A tax on paper goods and documents. Examples: newspapers, playing cards, lawyer’s documents Results: “No taxation without representation” was a phrase used to describe the unfair British taxes Sons of Liberty = Underground organization of American patriots (mostly from Boston) who resisted British tax laws.

Stamp Act: Reactions Sons of Liberty printed anti-British pamphlets. Sons of Liberty attacked British tax collectors (tar & feather). Sons of Liberty organized boycotts of British products. The organized boycotts hurt the British economy. Parliament repealed (cancelled) the Stamp Act. *Notable members of the Sons of Liberty; Sam Adams, Paul Revere, and Benedict Arnold.

Townshend Acts (1767) Taxed glass, lead, paint, paper, and tea. Results: Colonists boycotted these products. Parliament repealed the tax on all products except tea.

Boston Massacre (1770) British soldiers were sent to Boston in 1768 to support crown-appointed colonial officials enforcing British laws. On the evening of March 5th, an angry colonial mob began harassing & threatening 8 British soldiers. The soldiers fired their muskets at the mob.

Results 5 colonists were killed and 6 were wounded. British soldiers were arrested and charged with murder. Sons of Liberty used propaganda to gain support against the British troops. Propaganda = Communication aimed towards influencing the attitude of the community toward some cause or position by presenting only one side of an argument. British soldiers were defended by John Adams and acquitted (not guilty) for murder.