From Resistance to Revolution The Journey From Colonies to Independence

Review the Arguments Parliament Colonies Colonists need to pay for the costs of the French and Indian War More central control to keep this from happening again We can and will tell you what to do. Submit! Don’t treat us differently from other British citizens You’ve left us alone for 150 years. Why change now? Colonial charters allow us to tax and govern ourselves. You can’t go back on that.

So does Parliament have the right to tax the colonies? Parliament says yes. History and precedent say no.

The Sugar Act - 1764 Meant to raise money on certain items that are shipped into the colonies. Placed only on the colonies 1st attempt by Parliament to tax colonies

What do you think the colonists response was? Quartering Act - 1765 Protect the colonies in a self sustaining way Stop smuggling? Reduce demonstrations? What do you think the colonists response was?

Not very impressed…

The Stamp Act – 1765: When Everything Changes A tax on most legal or commercial documents An internal tax only Not to cover costs but to simply raise money “No taxation without representation!” What was England’s response to complaints?

A Pyrrhic Victory for the Colonies The beginning of the famous Sons of Liberty, started by Bostonian Samuel Adams After many demonstrations against it, many of which turned violent, Parliament repeals the act in 1766…with a catch Now Parliament, and the King, feel the need to assert their authority How do you think the British government responds to colonial complaints?

Britain was upset for multiple reasons http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oA0IpS_3S-0

Parliament’s response: The Townshend Acts (1767) New taxes on imports…only to be purchased from British businesses Punish NYC for not submitting to the Quartering Act New means of trying certain criminals

Colonial thinking begins to change… Now there is a major problem. Parliament, with the King’s support begins getting more and more aggressive. Rights as British citizens are under siege – WWJLD??

Parliament and the King The Bottom Line Colonies Since we are British citizens the Magna Carta (1215) and British Bill of Rights (1688) say that you can’t treat us differently. Parliament and the King As Colonists, you are different. You can therefore be treated differently from other British citizens. Is there any middle ground between these two positions?