BELLWORK Use your “13 colonies: graphic organizer” to answer the following questions: What was the difference between the economies of the Southern Colonies and New England? What types of government did each region of the 13 colonies have? A lot of colonies declared their “religious freedom,” but what were the dominant religions in each region of the 13 colonies? THINKER: Although some colonies established their own governments, the King of England still controlled a majority of the colonies. Do you think the colonists supported this control? Why or why not?
Colonial Political Power Colonies were managed by a governor appointed by the king. The royal governor then appointed other officials. Voting was restricted to men who owned property or paid taxes. Even the colonies with their own governments; such as, Massachusetts, had their powers taken away. The king passed laws to regain complete control.
British Colonies in North America Britain relied on the colonies for trade and production of goods. They also relied on the profit of the colonies to pay off their debt. To protect this profitable trade with its colonies, Parliament passed a series of Navigation Acts in the 1600’s. Navigation Acts: colonists had to pay a high tax on goods and could only use British ships. This was the beginning of various acts that were implemented by the British government to maintain control over the colonies.
Other British Policies Sugar Act – 1764 Stamp Act – 1765 Quartering Act – 1765 Declaratory Act – 1766 Townshend Acts - 1767 Tea Act – 1773 Boston Port Act – 1774 Massachusetts Government Act – 1774 Administration of Justice Act – 1774 Quebec Act - 1774
Colonial Protests Colonists protested with a boycott: refusal to buy British goods. Attacked the stamp act by burning stamps in the streets: “NO TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION!”
Unrest in Boston In order to enforce new laws, Britain sent soldiers to the new colonies. Boston Massacre: One evening a squad of soldiers were harassed by a Boston crowd, eventually leading to gunfire and five deaths. Britain responded by adding a tax on tea. Boston Tea Party: colonists snuck onto tea ships and dumped the chests of tea into the harbor. Britain closed Boston Harbor until all the tea had been repaid.
CLOSURE How was the government set up in the 13 colonies? Why did Britain rely on the colonies? What were the Navigation Acts? What is a Boycott? What led to the Boston Massacre? What happened as a result of the Boston Massacre?
John Adams and the Boston Massacre Trials The Boston Massacre led to harsh rulings and laws passed by Parliament. They closed the Boston port, overthrew the Massachusetts government, and established a government completely ruled by the King. You are now going to read about the Boston Massacre Trials. Pay attention while you are reading! You will need to answer questions at the end!
Answer the following questions on a ½ sheet of paper Why were Americans outraged at custom collectors? Describe the exchange between the British soldier and Boston rope maker that led to the Boston Massacre. Who was Captain Thomas Preston? What was John Adams’ role in the trial? What was the only thing that prosecutors were trying to prove? How did the trial end?
Appointment Worksheet Write each of the following questions on your appointment worksheet: 12:00 – Why do you think John Adams decided to defend Captain Preston and the eight British soldiers? 3:00 – How did John Adams distinguish between self-defense and manslaughter? 6:00 – Who do you believe was responsible for the Boston Massacre? Why? 9:00 – Modern criminal defense attorneys are often asked to defend people charged with horrible crimes. Do you think they should? Explain! One at a time, you will go to all of your appointments and answer the questions with your partner. Follow my directions!
Boston Massacre Writing Assignment In this writing assignment, you are going to take the role of an angry activist living in Boston in 1773. You are going to write a journal entry, in the role of this character, that addresses the following: Your feelings towards the King of England for enforcing laws on the colonies Your participation in the Boston Massacre Your anger at the British government for implementing a tax on tea Your plans for participating in the Boston Tea Party