The Spirit of Independence 1763-1776

Section 1: Taxation Without Representation Vocabulary: Revenue Resolution Boycott Repeal Effigy Non-importation Limited Government

Relations with Britain Read American Diary on pg. 122 The British were gaining control of North America, especially after the French and Indian War. The colonists were trying to protect their interests but the Proclamation of 1763 made this difficult. The British Government was setting up new provinces and prohibited colonists from moving west of the Appalachian Mountains.

Why did the British limit westward settlement? Allowed the British government to control their movements, and avoid conflict with Native Americans. In addition, it kept the East Coast open for easy access to trade with Britain.

The Sugar Act This act lowered the tax on imported molasses to encourage the colonists to pay the taxes as opposed to smuggling it in. However, this act also let officers seize goods from smugglers without going to court.

Stamp Act This law placed a tax (and a stamp) on all printed material including newspapers, wills, and playing cards. Protest: Patrick Henry persuaded the House of Burgesses to take action. The Virginia Assembly passed a resolution (formal opinion) declaring that it had sole right and power to lay taxes on citizens. Protest: Sons of Liberty protested the Stamp Act in a physical way – they burned effigies (rag figures) that represent tax collectors and destroyed houses that belonged to royal officials. Action: 9 colonies met in New York at the “Stamp Act Congress” and drafted a petition to the King that only their own assemblies could tax the colonies. Action: Merchants boycotted (refused to buy) British goods, and thousands signed non-importation agreements. Resolution: Britain lost so much money that Parliament repealed the law.

British Policies  Colonist View Points Proclamation of 1763: The British Government was setting up new provinces and prohibited colonists from moving west of the Appalachian Mountains. Colonists wanted to expand and did not believe that England had the right to prevent them from doing so. Britain’s Trade Laws: Parliament authorized “Writs of Assistance” that allowed customs officers to check for smuggled goods (avoid taxes). Violated their rights because they were not given a jury trial at Vice- Admiralty courts; they were ran by officers. Sugar Act: Lowered tax on imported molasses, but also let officers seize goods from smugglers without going to court. Seizing goods from citizens without going to court.

British Policies  Colonist View Points Stamp Act: This law placed a tax (and a stamp) on all printed material including newspapers, wills, and playing cards. This law taxed the colonists directly and without their consent. Townshend Acts…