Colonial Discontent

What led to the American Revolution?

Life in the Colonies

• As we have seen, the colonies grew in size during the 1600’s.

• Crops such as tobacco and lumber were in high demand in England.

• England continued to control these colonies since they were a source of $$$.

• By the 1700’s, many colonists no longer felt a strong connection to England

Why did the British tighten their control over the colonies?

• As a result of the French- Indian War (Seven Years War), England found itself deep in debt.

• The colonies were viewed as a source of money.

• The British believed the colonies should be responsible for paying off the debt.

• The answer? TAXES!

British Laws that Affected the Colonies

• Proclamation of 1763– Reduced tension between the colonists and the Native

Americans by not allowing colonists to settle past a certain line. • The Army would be withdrawn and save government money• This angered colonists because the British seemed to be on the side of

the Indians.

• Sugar Act of 1764– The law set taxes on cloth, sugar, coffee and wine.

• Stamp Act, 1765– Imposed taxes on every legal document, pamphlet, newspaper,

and deck of cards

• Quartering Act, 1765– Required innkeepers and public officials to house

and feed British soldiers• Declaratory Act, 1766– This law gave Parliament the right to pass laws for

the colonies in “all cases whatsoever” and reminded them who was boss!

• Tea Act, 1773– Gave the East India Company the sole right to sell

tea to the colonists and raised the tea tax!

Resistance Against the British

• Colonists began to protest against the England.

• Colonists were angered over the lack of colonial representation in Parliament…they were paying taxes but had little say.

• “No taxation without representation” became the slogan against the burdening taxes set by Britain

Other Major Events

Boston Massacre, 1770• Colonists (unarmed) and

soldiers (guns) clash in Boston.

• 5 colonists killed, including Crispus Attucks.

The Boston Tea Party, 1773• “Sons of Liberty” dump tea

into Boston Harbor to protest taxes.

• Worth millions.