The Colonies Fight for Their Rights

Imagine that today, heavy taxes were placed on the following: Digital Downloads—includes music and apps on mobile phones and computers Snacks—includes candy, snack food, chips, soft drinks, etc. Internet—includes online usage, mobile phone minutes, and text messages Would you be able to tolerate new taxes or tax increases on these items? Which of these taxes would push you over the edge?

French and Indian War Territory in Dispute In the 1740s, both the British and French became interested in the Ohio River valley. The French could travel from Quebec to Louisiana by river. British land speculators hoped to sell the land to settlers. To block British claims in the region, the French built a chain of forts. The British governor of Virginia tried to counter the French by building a British fort in western Pennsylvania. First battle Virginia’s governor ordered George Washington, a young officer in the Virginia militia, to drive out the French. In 1754, the militia encountered a small French force near Great Meadows. Eventually a large French force arrived and forced Washington to surrender. For the next two years, the French and Indian War, as it was called, raged along the frontier. Native Americans In 1755 the new British commander in chief, General Edward Braddock, marched west intending to attack the French. French and Native American forces ambushed the British. Braddock was killed. The successful ambush emboldened the Delaware people, and they began attacking British settlers in western Pennsylvania. British Strategy The British navy cut off supplies and reinforcements from France. The Delaware ended their attacks. The French found themselves badly outnumbered. War Ends In 1759 the British seized Quebec and took control of New France. The Treaty of Paris ended the war in Except for a few small islands, the treaty eliminated French power in North America.

Growing Discontent Unpopular British Policies Proclamation of 1763 The Proclamation of 1763 declared that colonists could not settle west of the Appalachian Mountains without permission. New Customs Trials Prime Minister Grenville needed to find a way to raise money to pay for Britain’s colonial expenditures, primarily the cost of its military. Grenville pushed for a law to prevent American vice-admiralty courts because these juries were often sympathetic to smugglers. Smugglers were getting away without paying customs duties or taxes. These new courts did not have trial by jury because the were dealing with “property” not people. Colonists were being denied rights as British citizen. Sugar Act Taxes were raised on sugar and molasses. Merchants who were suspected of smuggling to avoid the taxes could have their goods seized without trial. Pamphlets circulation throughout the colonies with the phase, “No taxation with representation.” Currency Act Colonists were not allowed to use paper money under this act. Only hard currency, such as coinage, could be used. This action slowed inflation because paper money tends to lose value. Stamp Act This was the first tax imposed directly on colonists. It was placed on all printed materials from newspapers and magazines to playing cards.

The Huge Debate The Stamp Act sparked a huge debate as to its legality. Colonies were flooded with pamphlets, speeches, editorials, and resolutions in opposition. The Virginia House of Burgess passed resolutions declaring Virginians could only be taxed by their own representatives; other assemblies pass similar resolutions; Parliament did not have the right. Sons of Liberty organized demonstrations and intimidated stamp distributors. Colonists began boycotting British goods and ignored the Stamp Act when it went into effect November 1, Merchants signed a nonimportation agreement pledging not to buy British goods until Parliament repealed the Stamp Act; the pressure led to the repeal in 1766.

Townshend Acts In 1767 Chancellor Charles Townshend introduced new regulations and taxes to pay for British troops in the colonies. The Revenue Act put new duties on glass, lead, paper, paint, and tea imported by the colonies. Many colonists objected to the taxes and so boycotts spread. Allowed officials to seize private property with out due process.

Action and Reaction The Massachusetts assembly including Sam Adams circulated a letter to other colonies criticizing the Townshend Acts. British officials ordered the Massachusetts assembly to withdraw the letter. When the assembly refused, Parliament ordered the Massachusetts assembly dissolved. Merchants from New York, Boston, and Philadelphia boycotted British goods by signing the non-importation agreement. Sam Adams organized an alliance of merchants, lawyers, and social elite to protest British tax policies.

May 1769 Virginias House of Burgess passed the Virginia Resolves, stating only the House could tax Virginians. Virginia governor was ordered by Britain to dissolve the House of Burgesses The leaders of the House called the members to a convention; George Washington, Patrick Henry, and Thomas Jefferson. Convention passed a nonimportation law prohibiting the sale of British goods in Virginia. The dispute centered on the extent of Parliaments power over the colonies, especially its power to levy and impose taxes. British writer Samuel Johnson expressed Britain's views stating “He that accepts protection, stipulates obedience. We have always protected the Americas; we may, therefore subject them to government.”

Boston Massacre Riots sparked by the Townsend Acts led to customs officials demand additional protection; June 1768 Bostonians referred to the British troops as Lobster Backs because of their red coats. They were heckled and taunted by colonists. March 5, 1770 the troops fired on a crowed of colonist killing 5. The first to die was an African man named Crispus Attucks. Colonial newspapers portrayed the soldiers as tyrants who were willing to kill people for standing up for their rights. Shortly after Parliament repealed most of the Townsend Acts but kept the tax on tea. Parliament also maintained the right to levy taxes on the colonies. The peace was only temporary.