1. Colonial Resistance and Rebellion
2.1 Notes

2. Proclamation of 1763 Issued by British gov’t
Forbade colonies from expanding west beyond the Appalchian Mtns.
Meant to avoid conflicts with Indians
Ignored by colonists
Convinced that Britain didn’t care about colonist’s needs

3. Britain’s Financial Debt
French and Indian war debt
King George III commissioned Prime Minister George Grenville to lower debt
Sugar Act
Halved duty on foreign-made molasses (to prevent smuggling)
Placed duties on certain imports
Colonists accused of violating the act would face a single judge, not a jury

4. Merchants complained about reduced profits
Taxed without representation in Britain

5. Stamp Act Colonial assemblies resisted b/c
Tax on documents and printed items (wills, newspapers, playing cards)
First tax directly affecting colonists
Taxed goods and services
Colonial assemblies resisted b/c
no representation at tax decisions
Sons of Liberty (Samuel Adams)
Secret resistance group of shopkeepers, laborers
Resisted taxation
Boycotted British goods – Act repealed

6. Declaratory Act Passed on day Stamp Act repealed
“to bind the colonies and
people of America in all cases
whatsoever”
Townshend Acts
Taxed goods imported into colonies from Britain
Lead, glass, paint, paper, tea (most popular drink)
Sons of Liberty organized boycott

7. Tensions Mounted Boston, MA – center of rebellion
Boston Massacre – March 5, 1770
British soldiers taunted at Boston Customs House
5 colonists killed when fired upon
British patrol schooner
attacked and burned
King George sought
English trials for
suspects – alarmed
colonists

8. Boston Tea Party 1773 Tea Act of save British East India Company
Could sell tea to colonies tax free
Colonial tea sellers still taxed
Could sell tea directly to consumers for less - backfired
Boston rebels disguised as “Indians” dumped 18,000 pounds of tea into harbor

9. Intolerable Acts Law shut down Boston Harbor
Quartering Act – British soldiers housed in vacant private homes and buildings
General Thomas Gage (commander of British forces) named governor of MA
Boston placed under martial law
First Continental Congress assembled in Philadelphia, PA to draw up declaration of colonial rights
Colonies should fight back if forced by British

10. FIRST CONTINENTAL CONGRESS – PHILADELPHIA, PA 1774