1. 10 Steps to War & Independence
American Government

2. Step 1: Navigation Laws (1750)
A series of laws that forced the colonies to trade JUST with England.
Result/Reaction:
Colonists held many protests.

3. Step 2: French & Indian War (1753-1763)
French colonists moved into English territory.
War begins, English win & gain more land.
Result/Reaction:
Begin taxing colonists

4. Step 3: Sugar Act (1764)
Placed a duty (tax) on sugar coming from the West Indies.
Result/Reaction:
Colonists protested “No taxation without representation.”

5. Step 4: Stamp Act (1765) England puts a tax on all paper goods.
Result/Reaction:
Led to a major uproar.
Ships met in harbor, can’t unload stamps, tax men are beaten.

6. Step 5: Townsend Act (1767)
Taxes placed on tea, glass, lead, paint, oil and paper before they reach the colonies.
Result/Reaction:
Bigger riots erupt.
Colonist merchants agree to boycott British goods.

7. Step 6: Boston Massacre (March 5, 1770)
Group of angry citizens go to English government offices in Boston.
Colonists run away, but 5 are killed and many others are wounded.
Results/Reactions:
Soldiers put on trial

8. Step 7: Tea Act (1773)
Gives the East India Company exclusive rights to trade tea with the colonies.
Results/Reactions:
Boston Tea Party

9. Step 8a: Intolerable Acts (1774)
Boston Harbor is closed until the tea is paid for.
King restricted town meetings.

10. Step 8b: Quartering Act (1774)
Authorized British officers to house their troops on private property.
Results/Reactions:
Colonies again boycott British goods

11. Step 9: 1st Continental Congress (1774)
Colonies send representatives to Philadelphia.
Write letter to King George stating their intentions.
Results/Reactions:
King arrests people he thinks is causing problems.

12. Step 10: April 19, 1775 Shot Heard Round the World!
British fire on the Colonists.
Results/Reactions:
Revolution Begins.