1. From Resistance to Revolution
The Journey From Colonies to Independence

2. Review the Arguments Parliament Colonies
Colonists need to pay for the costs of the French and Indian War
More central control to keep this from happening again
We can and will tell you what to do. Submit!
Don’t treat us differently from other British citizens
You’ve left us alone for 150 years. Why change now?
Colonial charters allow us to tax and govern ourselves. You can’t go back on that.

3. So does Parliament have the right to tax the colonies?
Parliament says yes.
History and precedent say no.

4. The Sugar Act
Meant to raise money on certain items that are shipped into the colonies.
Placed only on the colonies
1st attempt by Parliament to tax colonies

5. What do you think the colonists response was?
Quartering Act
Protect the colonies in a self sustaining way
Stop smuggling?
Reduce demonstrations?
What do you think the colonists response was?

6. Not very impressed…

7. The Stamp Act – 1765: When Everything Changes
A tax on most legal or commercial documents
An internal tax only
Not to cover costs but to simply raise money
“No taxation without representation!”
What was England’s response to complaints?

8. A Pyrrhic Victory for the Colonies
The beginning of the famous Sons of Liberty, started by Bostonian Samuel Adams
After many demonstrations against it, many of which turned violent, Parliament repeals the act in 1766…with a catch
Now Parliament, and the King, feel the need to assert their authority
How do you think the British government responds to colonial complaints?

9. Britain was upset for multiple reasons

10. Parliament’s response: The Townshend Acts (1767)
New taxes on imports…only to be purchased from British businesses
Punish NYC for not submitting to the Quartering Act
New means of trying certain criminals

11. Colonial thinking begins to change…
Now there is a major problem. Parliament, with the King’s support begins getting more and more aggressive.
Rights as British citizens are under siege – WWJLD??

12. Parliament and the King
The Bottom Line
Colonies
Since we are British citizens the Magna Carta (1215) and British Bill of Rights (1688) say that you can’t treat us differently.
Parliament and the King
As Colonists, you are different. You can therefore be treated differently from other British citizens.
Is there any middle ground between these two positions?