American Colonies and British Rule

Questions and Answers

Because colonists had been making their own laws

Because the British Empire was facing a financial crisis

Because Britain had been defending the colonies from other nations and Native Americans (correct)

Because colonists were part of the British Empire

To establish greater British control over the colonies

To make sure colonists realized Britain was in charge, not local governments (correct)

To punish the colony of New York for not obeying British orders

To raise money for the British government

To make sure colonists paid for the expenses of conflicts

To punish the colony of New York for not obeying British orders

To establish greater British control over the colonies and raise money (correct)

To raise money for the British government

Additional taxes for everyday things like glass, lead, paper, paint, and tea Signup and view all the answers

The creation of a new government agency to make sure colonists paid all of the taxes they were required to pay Signup and view all the answers

Because they did not have a representative in Parliament to express their opinions Signup and view all the answers

Imports decreased by 50% Signup and view all the answers

It meant that Britain had more control over the colonies' leadership Signup and view all the answers

The import duties were repealed, except for the one on tea Signup and view all the answers

The lack of representation in Parliament Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Britain fought to maintain control of its empire, leading to significant expenses.
The British government thought it was fair for American colonists to pay for the costs of defending them from other nations and Native Americans.

British Parliament passed laws (Acts) to establish additional taxes on colonists, but they disagreed.
Taxes were previously decided by colonial legislatures, and they opposed British interference.
Acts included the Stamp Act, Sugar Act, Currency Act, and Declaratory Act.

In 1767, British politician Charles Townshend proposed the Townshend Acts to establish greater British control over the colonies and raise money.
The Acts included:
- Punishing New York colony for not paying for British soldiers' housing.
- Imposing import duties (taxes) on everyday products like glass, lead, paper, paint, and tea.
- Creating a new government agency to ensure colonists paid taxes, with revenue going to Britain.

Colonists had no representative in Parliament to express their opinions or vote on their behalf.
Patriots like Samuel Adams argued that Parliament couldn't impose taxes without their consent, citing existing agreements allowing colonies to self-govern.

Colonists responded to the Townshend Acts with protests, violence, and boycotts.
Imports from Britain were reduced by half in the year following the Acts.
On March 5, 1770, Parliament repealed all import duties except the one on tea, calming tensions temporarily.
Ideas about revolution were already growing, leading to further conflict.