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 Tea Act – 1773 Boston Port Act – 1774 Massachusetts Government Act – 1774 Administration of Justice Act – 1774 Quebec Act

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!

Appointment Worksheet Write each of the following questions on your appointment worksheet: 9:00 – Why do you think John Adams decided to defend Captain Preston and the eight British soldiers? 12:00 – How did John Adams distinguish between self-defense and manslaughter? 3:00 – Who do you believe was responsible for the Boston Massacre? Why? 6:00 – 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 a person living in Boston in You are going to write a journal entry, in the role of this character, that addresses the following: 1.Your feelings towards the King of England 2.Your participation or non-participation in the Boston Massacre 3.Your feelings toward the British government for implementing a tax on tea 4.Your plans for participating in the Boston Tea Party