Conflict Over Trade Chapter 5 Part 2

Britain Britain strongest nation in the world. After seeing power of colonies during F&I War, saw opportunity to make $$ and gain more control. Increased trade regulations, closed off western lands to further settlement, & added taxes.

The Closing of Land Pontiac, Ottawa Indian chief, wanted to stop whites from settling. Organized Indian rebellion that included tribes from Canada to southern America.

Proclamation of 1763 Banned colonists from going west of the Appalachians. Settlers already there asked to leave. Only trappers/traders could go there with a license.

Quartering of British Troops “Protection against French/Indians and enforce British policies” Quartering Act of 1765 ordered colonists to care for troops with no compensation. EXPENSIVE!

Navigation & Trade Acts Controlled trade between colonies and foreign nations. Prior to F&I War, not thoroughly enforced After F&I War, Britain realized how much $$ they could have had; began to enforce rules strictly. Sent out officials with search warrants (called writs of assistance) to search for smuggled goods anywhere—including homes.

New Taxes Taxes for local government Now had to pay tax to British Parliament

The Sugar Act April 1764, Parliament passed the Sugar Act. Placed taxes (duties) on imported goods like sugar, molasses, coffee, silk, et cetera. SIDE NOTE: Imagine going to Portland, buying a shirt, paying tax on it, returning to Washington, and paying an another tax on that shirt.

The Stamp Act Passed to “raise additional income for the defense of the colonies”. Taxed activities (not goods). EG: taxed the work of lawyers, printers, etc. Without stamps items were illegal.

Colonial Opposition Issue: Can Parliament, without asking, force them to pay a tax? “No taxation without representation” Not given same legal/political rights as English citizens back home. Groups formed called the Sons of Liberty organized and held protests against the Stamp Act. Some resorted to intimidation and violence.

Colonial Opposition Some less violent protests include the Stamp Act Congress. Samuel Adams urged MA colonists to rebel. 1765: asked King to grant rights; King said no. More boycotts; factories in England began to shut down. Parliament finally repealed the Stamp Act. Shall we stay apart and die? Let’s unite and live!