Essential Information US History The Road to Revolution

King of England Because the colonies were so far from England and the King was not able to give his full attention the colonies, they became stronger and more independent over time.

Taxation without Representation The colonists believed that they themselves had the right to impose taxes upon themselves. The King, because of the cost of protecting and controlling the colonies wanted to put taxes on the colonies. The Colonists felt “taxation without representation” was unfair. England’s need to tax the colonies made for problems because the colonies had been taking care of themselves for so long. The English put different taxes on the colonies to help raise money. The Sugar Act put a tax on sugar, rum and coffee. The Stamp Act put a tax on printed materials such as papers and legal documents. Even though these taxes were very low, the colonists didn’t want to pay them.

Manifest Destiny The Colonists also believed in “Manifest Destiny” which said that the United States should expand from the Atlantic to the Pacific coast.

Quartering Act The Quartering Act allowed British soldiers the right to take over and sleep in American homes.

Boston Massacre The “Boston Massacre” happened when British troops fired on an American crowd of protesters killing three. This helped raise the anger of Americans against the British.

Boston Tea Party The “Boston Tea Party” was led by Sam Adams. Americans dressed as Indians threw tea into Boston harbor to protest a tea tax. This enraged the King and increased tension between the colonies and England.