Podcast
Questions and Answers
What predisposed the American colonists to be on alert against threats to their rights?
What predisposed the American colonists to be on alert against threats to their rights?
What theory did the British authorities embrace to justify their control over the colonies?
What theory did the British authorities embrace to justify their control over the colonies?
How were the original thirteen colonies, except Georgia, founded?
How were the original thirteen colonies, except Georgia, founded?
What did the Americans grow accustomed to, largely unmolested by remote officials in London?
What did the Americans grow accustomed to, largely unmolested by remote officials in London?
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What was the first law to raise tax revenue in the American colonies for the crown?
What was the first law to raise tax revenue in the American colonies for the crown?
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Which act required certain colonies to provide for British troops, fueling resentment?
Which act required certain colonies to provide for British troops, fueling resentment?
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What did the Stamp Act of 1765 mandate the use of?
What did the Stamp Act of 1765 mandate the use of?
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What did Americans protest fiercely against, with the cry 'No taxation without representation'?
What did Americans protest fiercely against, with the cry 'No taxation without representation'?
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Which act allowed trying offenders in admiralty courts without juries, challenging basic English liberties?
Which act allowed trying offenders in admiralty courts without juries, challenging basic English liberties?
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What did the Massachusetts House of Representatives express in 1768 regarding representation in Parliament?
What did the Massachusetts House of Representatives express in 1768 regarding representation in Parliament?
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What did the colonists concede Parliament's right to do but deny its right to impose?
What did the colonists concede Parliament's right to do but deny its right to impose?
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What did Grenville claim was supreme, leading to American scoffing at the notion of virtual representation?
What did Grenville claim was supreme, leading to American scoffing at the notion of virtual representation?
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What principle became supremely important to the colonists, guiding their consistent resistance to oppressive tax bills?
What principle became supremely important to the colonists, guiding their consistent resistance to oppressive tax bills?
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What did Edmund Burke warn of in 1775?
What did Edmund Burke warn of in 1775?
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What did Grenville justify the measures as, despite American anger at fiscal aggression?
What did Grenville justify the measures as, despite American anger at fiscal aggression?
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What did the colonists tenaciously cling to, rejecting direct representation in Parliament as potentially oppressive?
What did the colonists tenaciously cling to, rejecting direct representation in Parliament as potentially oppressive?
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What was the purpose of the Stamp Act Congress of 1765?
What was the purpose of the Stamp Act Congress of 1765?
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What was the impact of nonimportation agreements against British goods?
What was the impact of nonimportation agreements against British goods?
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How did the Sons of Liberty and Daughters of Liberty enforce nonimportation agreements?
How did the Sons of Liberty and Daughters of Liberty enforce nonimportation agreements?
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What did Parliament's Declaratory Act of 1766 reaffirm?
What did Parliament's Declaratory Act of 1766 reaffirm?
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What did the Townshend Acts of 1767 impose duties on?
What did the Townshend Acts of 1767 impose duties on?
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Why did the colonists oppose the distinction between internal and external taxes?
Why did the colonists oppose the distinction between internal and external taxes?
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Why was the tea tax particularly contentious?
Why was the tea tax particularly contentious?
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What were Townshend's tax revenues intended for?
What were Townshend's tax revenues intended for?
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What did the British government's refusal to yield on sovereignty lead to?
What did the British government's refusal to yield on sovereignty lead to?
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What set the stage for continuing confrontation between the British government and the colonists?
What set the stage for continuing confrontation between the British government and the colonists?
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What was the eventual escalation of the conflict between the colonies and Britain?
What was the eventual escalation of the conflict between the colonies and Britain?
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What led to the suspension of the legislature of New York in 1767?
What led to the suspension of the legislature of New York in 1767?
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Why were nonimportation agreements against the Townshend Acts less effective than those against the Stamp Act?
Why were nonimportation agreements against the Townshend Acts less effective than those against the Stamp Act?
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What event in 1768 led to clashes between British officials and colonists in Boston?
What event in 1768 led to clashes between British officials and colonists in Boston?
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What was the outcome of the clash on March 5, 1770, in Boston?
What was the outcome of the clash on March 5, 1770, in Boston?
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Why did the British government retain the tax on tea even after repealing the Townshend revenue duties?
Why did the British government retain the tax on tea even after repealing the Townshend revenue duties?
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Who organized local committees of correspondence in Massachusetts in resistance to British policy?
Who organized local committees of correspondence in Massachusetts in resistance to British policy?
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What did the intercolonial committees of correspondence stimulate?
What did the intercolonial committees of correspondence stimulate?
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What was the reason for the resistance from American tea drinkers to the British East India Company's monopoly?
What was the reason for the resistance from American tea drinkers to the British East India Company's monopoly?
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What did the tensions and events during this period set the stage for?
What did the tensions and events during this period set the stage for?
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What eventually persuaded Parliament to repeal the Townshend revenue duties?
What eventually persuaded Parliament to repeal the Townshend revenue duties?
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Why were the nonimportation agreements against the Townshend Acts less effective?
Why were the nonimportation agreements against the Townshend Acts less effective?
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What was the impact of the establishment of intercolonial committees of correspondence?
What was the impact of the establishment of intercolonial committees of correspondence?
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What did Mercantilists believe was a measure of a country's economic wealth and power?
What did Mercantilists believe was a measure of a country's economic wealth and power?
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What was the purpose of the Navigation Law of 1650?
What was the purpose of the Navigation Law of 1650?
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What did the British government view American colonists as?
What did the British government view American colonists as?
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What did the British crown reserve the right to do in relation to legislation passed by the colonial assemblies?
What did the British crown reserve the right to do in relation to legislation passed by the colonial assemblies?
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What did the colonies resort to using for exchange due to the currency shortage?
What did the colonies resort to using for exchange due to the currency shortage?
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What was the impact of the mercantile system on the American colonists' economic initiative?
What was the impact of the mercantile system on the American colonists' economic initiative?
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What did British merchants and creditors protest against, leading to Parliament prohibiting colonial legislatures from printing?
What did British merchants and creditors protest against, leading to Parliament prohibiting colonial legislatures from printing?
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What did the British crown provide the American colonies with, in terms of protection?
What did the British crown provide the American colonies with, in terms of protection?
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What did enterprising colonial merchants learn to do in response to the Navigation Laws?
What did enterprising colonial merchants learn to do in response to the Navigation Laws?
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What was the primary reason for the drain of gold and silver coins from the colonies?
What was the primary reason for the drain of gold and silver coins from the colonies?
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Why did the American colonists feel burdened by the mercantile system?
Why did the American colonists feel burdened by the mercantile system?
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What was the outcome of British officials seeking to redefine their relationship with the colonies after the Seven Years’ War?
What was the outcome of British officials seeking to redefine their relationship with the colonies after the Seven Years’ War?
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Whigs and republicans encouraged American colonists to be vigilant against threats to their rights
Whigs and republicans encouraged American colonists to be vigilant against threats to their rights
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The British government planted all thirteen original colonies
The British government planted all thirteen original colonies
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The British government embraced the theory of mercantilism to justify their control over the colonies
The British government embraced the theory of mercantilism to justify their control over the colonies
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The British authorities tried to enclose American colonists more tightly in their grip after 1763
The British authorities tried to enclose American colonists more tightly in their grip after 1763
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Did the London government suspend the legislature of New York for failing to comply with the Quartering Act and passing the Townshend taxes?
Did the London government suspend the legislature of New York for failing to comply with the Quartering Act and passing the Townshend taxes?
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Were nonimportation agreements against the Townshend Acts more effective than those against the Stamp Act?
Were nonimportation agreements against the Townshend Acts more effective than those against the Stamp Act?
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The new tax under the Townshend Acts was light and indirect, leading the colonists to take it less seriously.
The new tax under the Townshend Acts was light and indirect, leading the colonists to take it less seriously.
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In 1768, British officials landed two regiments of troops in Boston, leading to clashes with the colonists.
In 1768, British officials landed two regiments of troops in Boston, leading to clashes with the colonists.
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The clash on March 5, 1770, led to the death and injury of several citizens, including Crispus Attucks, with both sides being blamed.
The clash on March 5, 1770, led to the death and injury of several citizens, including Crispus Attucks, with both sides being blamed.
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King George III attempted to assert the power of the British monarchy, surrounded by cooperative 'yes men,' and the ill-timed Townshend Acts failed to produce revenue.
King George III attempted to assert the power of the British monarchy, surrounded by cooperative 'yes men,' and the ill-timed Townshend Acts failed to produce revenue.
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The government eventually persuaded Parliament to repeal the Townshend revenue duties, but retained the tax on tea to uphold the principle of parliamentary taxation.
The government eventually persuaded Parliament to repeal the Townshend revenue duties, but retained the tax on tea to uphold the principle of parliamentary taxation.
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Samuel Adams of Boston organized local committees of correspondence in Massachusetts, which spread the spirit of resistance by interchanging letters and keeping alive opposition to British policy.
Samuel Adams of Boston organized local committees of correspondence in Massachusetts, which spread the spirit of resistance by interchanging letters and keeping alive opposition to British policy.
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Intercolonial committees of correspondence were established, stimulating sentiment in favor of united action and evolving into the first American congresses.
Intercolonial committees of correspondence were established, stimulating sentiment in favor of united action and evolving into the first American congresses.
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By 1773, nonimportation was weakening, and the British East India Company was facing bankruptcy with 17 million pounds of unsold tea.
By 1773, nonimportation was weakening, and the British East India Company was facing bankruptcy with 17 million pounds of unsold tea.
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The British government awarded the East India Company a complete monopoly of the American tea business, leading to resistance from American tea drinkers.
The British government awarded the East India Company a complete monopoly of the American tea business, leading to resistance from American tea drinkers.
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The tensions and events during this period set the stage for rebellion, with the colonists increasingly reluctant to pay the tea tax and facing oppressive British policies.
The tensions and events during this period set the stage for rebellion, with the colonists increasingly reluctant to pay the tea tax and facing oppressive British policies.
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Mercantilists believed a country's economic wealth and power could be measured by the amount of gold or silver in its treasury
Mercantilists believed a country's economic wealth and power could be measured by the amount of gold or silver in its treasury
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The London government viewed American colonists as tenants, expected to furnish products needed in the mother country, buy imported goods exclusively from Britain, and not dream of economic self-sufficiency or self-government
The London government viewed American colonists as tenants, expected to furnish products needed in the mother country, buy imported goods exclusively from Britain, and not dream of economic self-sufficiency or self-government
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The colonies resorted to using butter, nails, pitch, and feathers for exchange due to the currency shortage
The colonies resorted to using butter, nails, pitch, and feathers for exchange due to the currency shortage
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British merchants and creditors protested against colonial paper money, leading to Parliament prohibiting the colonial legislatures from printing paper currency and passing indulgent bankruptcy laws
British merchants and creditors protested against colonial paper money, leading to Parliament prohibiting the colonial legislatures from printing paper currency and passing indulgent bankruptcy laws
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The British crown reserved the right to nullify any legislation passed by the colonial assemblies if it worked against the mercantilist system, using the royal veto sparingly
The British crown reserved the right to nullify any legislation passed by the colonial assemblies if it worked against the mercantilist system, using the royal veto sparingly
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The Navigation Laws were loosely enforced, and enterprising colonial merchants learned to disregard or evade restrictions
The Navigation Laws were loosely enforced, and enterprising colonial merchants learned to disregard or evade restrictions
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Americans reaped direct benefits from the mercantile system, including liberal bounties, market monopolies, and protection from the British navy and army
Americans reaped direct benefits from the mercantile system, including liberal bounties, market monopolies, and protection from the British navy and army
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Revolution broke out because Britain failed to recognize the emerging nation in the American colonies, and British officials sought to redefine their relationship with the colonies after the Seven Years’ War
Revolution broke out because Britain failed to recognize the emerging nation in the American colonies, and British officials sought to redefine their relationship with the colonies after the Seven Years’ War
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Possessing colonies conferred distinct advantages as they could supply raw materials to the mother country and provide a guaranteed market for exports
Possessing colonies conferred distinct advantages as they could supply raw materials to the mother country and provide a guaranteed market for exports
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Despite being perceived as oppressive, the Navigation Laws were strictly enforced, leaving no room for colonial merchants to disregard or evade restrictions
Despite being perceived as oppressive, the Navigation Laws were strictly enforced, leaving no room for colonial merchants to disregard or evade restrictions
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The mercantile system burdened the colonists with economic dependencies but encouraged their economic initiative, leading to a feeling of perpetual economic adolescence
The mercantile system burdened the colonists with economic dependencies but encouraged their economic initiative, leading to a feeling of perpetual economic adolescence
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The British policy inflicted a currency shortage on the colonies, leading to an influx of gold and silver coins and a resulting money surplus
The British policy inflicted a currency shortage on the colonies, leading to an influx of gold and silver coins and a resulting money surplus
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Did the Stamp Act Congress of 1765 bring together delegates from all thirteen colonies?
Did the Stamp Act Congress of 1765 bring together delegates from all thirteen colonies?
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Did nonimportation agreements against British goods unite American people for the first time in common action?
Did nonimportation agreements against British goods unite American people for the first time in common action?
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Did the Sons of Liberty and Daughters of Liberty enforce nonimportation agreements with violence, such as tar and feathering?
Did the Sons of Liberty and Daughters of Liberty enforce nonimportation agreements with violence, such as tar and feathering?
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Did Parliament's Declaratory Act reaffirm sovereignty over colonies after repealing the Stamp Act in 1766?
Did Parliament's Declaratory Act reaffirm sovereignty over colonies after repealing the Stamp Act in 1766?
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The Townshend Acts of 1767 imposed heavy import duties on glass, white lead, paper, paint, and tea.
The Townshend Acts of 1767 imposed heavy import duties on glass, white lead, paper, paint, and tea.
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The colonists opposed any form of taxation without representation, regardless of the type of tax.
The colonists opposed any form of taxation without representation, regardless of the type of tax.
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The tea tax affected an estimated 1 million daily tea drinkers.
The tea tax affected an estimated 1 million daily tea drinkers.
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Townshend's tax revenues were intended to pay the salaries of royal governors and judges in America, further angering the colonists.
Townshend's tax revenues were intended to pay the salaries of royal governors and judges in America, further angering the colonists.
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The British government's refusal to yield on sovereignty and the colonists' desire for their own measure of sovereignty set the stage for continuing confrontation.
The British government's refusal to yield on sovereignty and the colonists' desire for their own measure of sovereignty set the stage for continuing confrontation.
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The conflict eventually escalated to the point where a statue of King George III was melted into bullets to be fired at British troops.
The conflict eventually escalated to the point where a statue of King George III was melted into bullets to be fired at British troops.
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The Townshend Acts of 1767 imposed light import duties on glass, white lead, paper, paint, and tea.
The Townshend Acts of 1767 imposed light import duties on glass, white lead, paper, paint, and tea.
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Parliament's actions led to decreasing colonial rebellion and suspicion, easing the tensions between the colonies and Britain.
Parliament's actions led to decreasing colonial rebellion and suspicion, easing the tensions between the colonies and Britain.
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Prime Minister George Grenville enforced Navigation Laws and passed the Sugar Act of 1764, the first law to raise tax revenue in the colonies for the crown.
Prime Minister George Grenville enforced Navigation Laws and passed the Sugar Act of 1764, the first law to raise tax revenue in the colonies for the crown.
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The Quartering Act of 1765 required certain colonies to provide for British troops, fueling resentment.
The Quartering Act of 1765 required certain colonies to provide for British troops, fueling resentment.
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Grenville imposed the Stamp Act in 1765 to raise revenues for the new military force, mandating the use of stamped paper on various documents.
Grenville imposed the Stamp Act in 1765 to raise revenues for the new military force, mandating the use of stamped paper on various documents.
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Grenville justified these measures as fair taxation for defense costs, despite American anger at fiscal aggression.
Grenville justified these measures as fair taxation for defense costs, despite American anger at fiscal aggression.
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The Stamp Act and Sugar Act allowed trying offenders in admiralty courts without juries, challenging basic English liberties.
The Stamp Act and Sugar Act allowed trying offenders in admiralty courts without juries, challenging basic English liberties.
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Americans protested fiercely against the Stamp Act, with the cry 'No taxation without representation.'
Americans protested fiercely against the Stamp Act, with the cry 'No taxation without representation.'
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Colonists conceded Parliament's right to legislate but denied its right to impose taxes, asserting that only their elected colonial legislatures could legally tax them.
Colonists conceded Parliament's right to legislate but denied its right to impose taxes, asserting that only their elected colonial legislatures could legally tax them.
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Grenville claimed the power of Parliament was supreme and that all British subjects were represented, leading to American scoffing at the notion of virtual representation.
Grenville claimed the power of Parliament was supreme and that all British subjects were represented, leading to American scoffing at the notion of virtual representation.
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The colonists tenaciously clung to the principle of no taxation without representation, rejecting direct representation in Parliament as potentially oppressive.
The colonists tenaciously clung to the principle of no taxation without representation, rejecting direct representation in Parliament as potentially oppressive.
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The principle of no taxation without representation became supremely important to the colonists, guiding their consistent resistance to oppressive tax bills.
The principle of no taxation without representation became supremely important to the colonists, guiding their consistent resistance to oppressive tax bills.
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Edmund Burke warned in 1775 of America's potential economic power.
Edmund Burke warned in 1775 of America's potential economic power.
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The Massachusetts House of Representatives (1768) expressed the impracticality of full representation in Parliament and preferred taxation without consent over inadequate representation.
The Massachusetts House of Representatives (1768) expressed the impracticality of full representation in Parliament and preferred taxation without consent over inadequate representation.
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True or false: The famous circular letter from the Massachusetts House of Representatives in 1768 stated that the House believed full representation in Parliament was impractical and preferred taxation without consent over inadequate representation
True or false: The famous circular letter from the Massachusetts House of Representatives in 1768 stated that the House believed full representation in Parliament was impractical and preferred taxation without consent over inadequate representation
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True or false: The American colonists conceded the right of Parliament to impose taxes on Americans, even though no Americans were seated in Parliament
True or false: The American colonists conceded the right of Parliament to impose taxes on Americans, even though no Americans were seated in Parliament
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True or false: The American colonists denied the right of Parliament to legislate about matters that affected the entire empire, including the regulation of trade
True or false: The American colonists denied the right of Parliament to legislate about matters that affected the entire empire, including the regulation of trade
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True or false: The American colonists made a clear distinction between 'legislation' and 'taxation' in their opposition to British policies
True or false: The American colonists made a clear distinction between 'legislation' and 'taxation' in their opposition to British policies
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American colonists accepted the theory of 'virtual representation' put forth by the British Parliament.
American colonists accepted the theory of 'virtual representation' put forth by the British Parliament.
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The Stamp Act Congress of 1765 brought together delegates from all thirteen colonies.
The Stamp Act Congress of 1765 brought together delegates from all thirteen colonies.
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The Sons of Liberty and Daughters of Liberty enforced nonimportation agreements peacefully, without using violence.
The Sons of Liberty and Daughters of Liberty enforced nonimportation agreements peacefully, without using violence.
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The British government grudgingly repealed the Stamp Act in 1766 and did not pass any other legislation reaffirming its right to bind the colonies.
The British government grudgingly repealed the Stamp Act in 1766 and did not pass any other legislation reaffirming its right to bind the colonies.
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The Townshend Tea Tax and the Boston 'Massacre' helped ease tensions between the American colonies and the British government.
The Townshend Tea Tax and the Boston 'Massacre' helped ease tensions between the American colonies and the British government.
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The Declaratory Act passed by the British Parliament in 1766 reaffirmed Parliament's right to bind the colonies in all cases.
The Declaratory Act passed by the British Parliament in 1766 reaffirmed Parliament's right to bind the colonies in all cases.
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The stage was set for a continuing confrontation as the colonists sought absolute sovereignty.
The stage was set for a continuing confrontation as the colonists sought absolute sovereignty.
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The British Parliament imposed light import duties on glass, white lead, paper, paint, and tea through the Townshend Acts of 1767.
The British Parliament imposed light import duties on glass, white lead, paper, paint, and tea through the Townshend Acts of 1767.
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The clash on March 5, 1770, in Boston, led to the death and injury of several citizens, with only one side being blamed for the incident.
The clash on March 5, 1770, in Boston, led to the death and injury of several citizens, with only one side being blamed for the incident.
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The British government embraced the theory of mercantilism to justify its control over the colonies.
The British government embraced the theory of mercantilism to justify its control over the colonies.
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The British government viewed American colonists as tenants, expecting them to buy imported goods exclusively from Britain and not dream of economic self-sufficiency or self-government.
The British government viewed American colonists as tenants, expecting them to buy imported goods exclusively from Britain and not dream of economic self-sufficiency or self-government.
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Colonists conceded Parliament's right to legislate and impose taxes, asserting that only their elected colonial legislatures could legally tax them.
Colonists conceded Parliament's right to legislate and impose taxes, asserting that only their elected colonial legislatures could legally tax them.
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Intercolonial committees evolved into the first American congresses.
Intercolonial committees evolved into the first American congresses.
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The British East India Company was facing bankruptcy with 17 million pounds of unsold tea.
The British East India Company was facing bankruptcy with 17 million pounds of unsold tea.
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The Boston Port Act closed the harbor until damages were paid.
The Boston Port Act closed the harbor until damages were paid.
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The "Intolerable Acts" placed restrictions on town meetings.
The "Intolerable Acts" placed restrictions on town meetings.
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Enforcing officials who killed colonists could now be sent to Britain for trial, leading to suspicion among the Americans.
Enforcing officials who killed colonists could now be sent to Britain for trial, leading to suspicion among the Americans.
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The decision to assist the British East India Company by granting it a monopoly on American tea business led to unrest among American colonists.
The decision to assist the British East India Company by granting it a monopoly on American tea business led to unrest among American colonists.
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The colonists' defiance of the law led to violent reactions, with tea shipments being returned or destroyed in various colonies.
The colonists' defiance of the law led to violent reactions, with tea shipments being returned or destroyed in various colonies.
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The Boston Tea Party was a response to Massachusetts governor Thomas Hutchinson's refusal to clear the tea ships.
The Boston Tea Party was a response to Massachusetts governor Thomas Hutchinson's refusal to clear the tea ships.
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The British Parliament's response to the Boston Tea Party included passing the Boston Port Act.
The British Parliament's response to the Boston Tea Party included passing the Boston Port Act.
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The decision to enforce the tea tax led to violent defiance by the colonists.
The decision to enforce the tea tax led to violent defiance by the colonists.
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Chief Justice Peter Oliver's Loyalist account described the subversion of government and the power of the colonial faction.
Chief Justice Peter Oliver's Loyalist account described the subversion of government and the power of the colonial faction.
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In 1773, the British East India Company was granted a monopoly on American tea business, leading to unrest among American colonists.
In 1773, the British East India Company was granted a monopoly on American tea business, leading to unrest among American colonists.
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Did the Townshend Acts impose heavy import duties on glass, white lead, paper, paint, and tea in the American colonies?
Did the Townshend Acts impose heavy import duties on glass, white lead, paper, paint, and tea in the American colonies?
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The colonists accepted the distinction between internal and external taxes, and they were only opposed to direct taxation without representation
The colonists accepted the distinction between internal and external taxes, and they were only opposed to direct taxation without representation
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The tax on tea was well-received by the colonists, who saw it as a fair way to contribute to the British monarchy
The tax on tea was well-received by the colonists, who saw it as a fair way to contribute to the British monarchy
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The colonists took the new tax very seriously and did not turn to smuggled tea at cheap prices, leading to increased smuggling activities, especially in Massachusetts
The colonists took the new tax very seriously and did not turn to smuggled tea at cheap prices, leading to increased smuggling activities, especially in Massachusetts
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The Boston Massacre resulted in the death or injury of eleven citizens, and all the redcoats involved were found guilty of manslaughter in the subsequent trial
The Boston Massacre resulted in the death or injury of eleven citizens, and all the redcoats involved were found guilty of manslaughter in the subsequent trial
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The ill-timed Townshend Acts failed to produce revenue and led to near-rebellion in the American colonies
The ill-timed Townshend Acts failed to produce revenue and led to near-rebellion in the American colonies
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Lord North's government persuaded Parliament to repeal the Townshend revenue duties completely, without retaining any toll on tea
Lord North's government persuaded Parliament to repeal the Townshend revenue duties completely, without retaining any toll on tea
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Samuel Adams of Boston played no significant role in organizing local committees of correspondence in Massachusetts to spread the spirit of resistance and opposition to British policy
Samuel Adams of Boston played no significant role in organizing local committees of correspondence in Massachusetts to spread the spirit of resistance and opposition to British policy
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Intercolonial committees of correspondence were not established, and Virginia did not lead the way in 1773 by creating a standing committee of the House of Burgesses
Intercolonial committees of correspondence were not established, and Virginia did not lead the way in 1773 by creating a standing committee of the House of Burgesses
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The committees of correspondence aimed to keep alive opposition to British policy by interchanging letters and played no crucial role in fanning the flames of discontent in America
The committees of correspondence aimed to keep alive opposition to British policy by interchanging letters and played no crucial role in fanning the flames of discontent in America
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Resistance in the colonies was further fueled by the relaxed efforts of British officials to enforce the Navigation Laws and the master propagandist Samuel Adams' relentless efforts
Resistance in the colonies was further fueled by the relaxed efforts of British officials to enforce the Navigation Laws and the master propagandist Samuel Adams' relentless efforts
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The redoubled efforts of British officials to enforce the Navigation Laws and the master propagandist Samuel Adams' relentless efforts did not fuel the resistance in the colonies
The redoubled efforts of British officials to enforce the Navigation Laws and the master propagandist Samuel Adams' relentless efforts did not fuel the resistance in the colonies
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Did the Quebec Act of 1774 extend the boundaries of the province of Quebec to the Ohio River?
Did the Quebec Act of 1774 extend the boundaries of the province of Quebec to the Ohio River?
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Did the Quebec Act grant religious and cultural freedoms to the French-Canadians?
Did the Quebec Act grant religious and cultural freedoms to the French-Canadians?
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Did the American colonists view the Quebec Act as conciliatory?
Did the American colonists view the Quebec Act as conciliatory?
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Did the Quebec Act set a precedent against jury trials and popular assemblies?
Did the Quebec Act set a precedent against jury trials and popular assemblies?
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Did the summoning of the Continental Congress in 1774 lead to a complete boycott of British goods?
Did the summoning of the Continental Congress in 1774 lead to a complete boycott of British goods?
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Did the First Continental Congress call for independence from Britain?
Did the First Continental Congress call for independence from Britain?
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Did the British troops retreat from Concord after being forced to by the Americans?
Did the British troops retreat from Concord after being forced to by the Americans?
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Did the Quebec Act exacerbate existing tensions between the colonies and Britain?
Did the Quebec Act exacerbate existing tensions between the colonies and Britain?
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Did the Quebec Act lead to the eventual rebellion in the American colonies?
Did the Quebec Act lead to the eventual rebellion in the American colonies?
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Did the actions following the Quebec Act significantly shape the course of events leading to the American Revolutionary War?
Did the actions following the Quebec Act significantly shape the course of events leading to the American Revolutionary War?
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Did the Quebec Act have no impact on the American colonists' divide with Britain?
Did the Quebec Act have no impact on the American colonists' divide with Britain?
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Did the Quebec Act contribute to a deepening divide between the colonies and Britain?
Did the Quebec Act contribute to a deepening divide between the colonies and Britain?
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What did the Americans concede Parliament's right to do but steadfastly deny its right to impose on them?
What did the Americans concede Parliament's right to do but steadfastly deny its right to impose on them?
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What theory did Grenville elaborate to justify the representation of Americans in Parliament?
What theory did Grenville elaborate to justify the representation of Americans in Parliament?
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What did the Massachusetts House of Representatives consider preferable to any representation in the British Parliament?
What did the Massachusetts House of Representatives consider preferable to any representation in the British Parliament?
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What did the Americans make a distinction between, conceding one right but steadfastly denying the other?
What did the Americans make a distinction between, conceding one right but steadfastly denying the other?
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What was the purpose of the Continental Congress in 1774?
What was the purpose of the Continental Congress in 1774?
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What was the outcome of the Continental Congress's deliberation?
What was the outcome of the Continental Congress's deliberation?
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What was the significance of the Quebec Act in relation to American colonists?
What was the significance of the Quebec Act in relation to American colonists?
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What led to the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War?
What led to the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War?
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What was the response to the 'Intolerable Acts' by American dissenters?
What was the response to the 'Intolerable Acts' by American dissenters?
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What was the initial stance of the Continental Congress regarding independence?
What was the initial stance of the Continental Congress regarding independence?
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What was the outcome of the conflict between the British troops and the colonial 'Minute Men' in April 1775?
What was the outcome of the conflict between the British troops and the colonial 'Minute Men' in April 1775?
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What was the impact of the Quebec Act on the mounting tensions between the American colonists and the British government?
What was the impact of the Quebec Act on the mounting tensions between the American colonists and the British government?
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What was the response of the American colonists to the rejection of the Congress's petitions by Parliament?
What was the response of the American colonists to the rejection of the Congress's petitions by Parliament?
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What did the Continental Congress ultimately create in response to the mounting tensions?
What did the Continental Congress ultimately create in response to the mounting tensions?
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What was the role of the Quebec Act in the conflict between the American colonists and the British government?
What was the role of the Quebec Act in the conflict between the American colonists and the British government?
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What was the British government's response to the Boston Tea Party?
What was the British government's response to the Boston Tea Party?
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What was the primary purpose of the British government in awarding the East India Company a monopoly of the American tea business?
What was the primary purpose of the British government in awarding the East India Company a monopoly of the American tea business?
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What were the consequences of the Boston Tea Party?
What were the consequences of the Boston Tea Party?
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What did the Quebec Act, passed at the same time as the Intolerable Acts, guarantee?
What did the Quebec Act, passed at the same time as the Intolerable Acts, guarantee?
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What led to mass demonstrations and defiance from the American colonists?
What led to mass demonstrations and defiance from the American colonists?
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What did the destruction of the tea in the Boston Tea Party prompt?
What did the destruction of the tea in the Boston Tea Party prompt?
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What was the British Parliament's response to the Boston Tea Party perceived as?
What was the British Parliament's response to the Boston Tea Party perceived as?
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What did the passing of the Intolerable Acts entail?
What did the passing of the Intolerable Acts entail?
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What was the Massachusetts governor, Thomas Hutchinson's response to the tea ships in Boston harbor?
What was the Massachusetts governor, Thomas Hutchinson's response to the tea ships in Boston harbor?
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What did the British authorities see as the only alternative in response to the Boston Tea Party?
What did the British authorities see as the only alternative in response to the Boston Tea Party?
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What was the impact of the Stamp Act Congress of 1765?
What was the impact of the Stamp Act Congress of 1765?
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What was the purpose of the Townshend Acts imposed by Charles Townshend?
What was the purpose of the Townshend Acts imposed by Charles Townshend?
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What was the outcome of the Declaratory Act passed by Parliament in 1766?
What was the outcome of the Declaratory Act passed by Parliament in 1766?
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What was the role of the Sons of Liberty and Daughters of Liberty in enforcing nonimportation agreements?
What was the role of the Sons of Liberty and Daughters of Liberty in enforcing nonimportation agreements?
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What was the consequence of the American colonists' resistance to British taxation?
What was the consequence of the American colonists' resistance to British taxation?
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What was the purpose of the nonimportation agreements and the adoption of homespun cloth?
What was the purpose of the nonimportation agreements and the adoption of homespun cloth?
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What was the British government's response to the repeal of the Stamp Act?
What was the British government's response to the repeal of the Stamp Act?
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What was the impact of the Townshend Acts on the American colonies?
What was the impact of the Townshend Acts on the American colonies?
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What was the stance of the American colonists regarding taxation without representation?
What was the stance of the American colonists regarding taxation without representation?
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What was the significance of the American colonists' rejection of virtual representation?
What was the significance of the American colonists' rejection of virtual representation?
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What was the outcome of the resistance to British taxation by the American colonists?
What was the outcome of the resistance to British taxation by the American colonists?
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What was the impact of the Boston Tea Party in 1773?
What was the impact of the Boston Tea Party in 1773?
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What was the purpose of the Townshend Acts imposed by Charles Townshend?
What was the purpose of the Townshend Acts imposed by Charles Townshend?
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What was the role of Samuel Adams in the resistance against British policy?
What was the role of Samuel Adams in the resistance against British policy?
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What was the outcome of the British Parliament's response to the rejection of the Congress's petitions by Parliament?
What was the outcome of the British Parliament's response to the rejection of the Congress's petitions by Parliament?
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What was the impact of the Quebec Act on the American colonists' divide with Britain?
What was the impact of the Quebec Act on the American colonists' divide with Britain?
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What was the purpose of the Navigation Law of 1650?
What was the purpose of the Navigation Law of 1650?
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What was the outcome of the conflict between the British troops and the colonial 'Minute Men' in April 1775?
What was the outcome of the conflict between the British troops and the colonial 'Minute Men' in April 1775?
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What did the British government embrace to justify their control over the colonies?
What did the British government embrace to justify their control over the colonies?
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What was the impact of the Stamp Act Congress of 1765?
What was the impact of the Stamp Act Congress of 1765?
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What was the purpose of the Declaratory Act passed by Parliament in 1766?
What was the purpose of the Declaratory Act passed by Parliament in 1766?
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What was the impact of the Stamp Act and Sugar Act on trials in the colonies?
What was the impact of the Stamp Act and Sugar Act on trials in the colonies?
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What was the outcome of the British crown's reserved right to nullify legislation passed by the colonial assemblies?
What was the outcome of the British crown's reserved right to nullify legislation passed by the colonial assemblies?
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Study Notes
The Road to Revolution, 1763–1775: A Time of Tension and Rebellion
- In 1767, the London government suspended the legislature of New York for failing to comply with the Quartering Act and passing the Townshend taxes.
- Nonimportation agreements were revived against the Townshend Acts, but were less effective than those against the Stamp Act.
- The new tax under the Townshend Acts was light and indirect, leading the colonists to take it less seriously, especially due to the availability of cheap smuggled tea.
- In 1768, British officials landed two regiments of troops in Boston, leading to clashes with the colonists.
- A clash on March 5, 1770, led to the death and injury of several citizens, including Crispus Attucks, with both sides being blamed.
- King George III attempted to assert the power of the British monarchy, surrounded by cooperative "yes men," and the ill-timed Townshend Acts failed to produce revenue.
- The government eventually persuaded Parliament to repeal the Townshend revenue duties, but retained the tax on tea to uphold the principle of parliamentary taxation.
- Samuel Adams of Boston organized local committees of correspondence in Massachusetts, which spread the spirit of resistance by interchanging letters and keeping alive opposition to British policy.
- Intercolonial committees of correspondence were established, stimulating sentiment in favor of united action and evolving into the first American congresses.
- By 1773, nonimportation was weakening, and the British East India Company was facing bankruptcy with 17 million pounds of unsold tea.
- The British government awarded the East India Company a complete monopoly of the American tea business, leading to resistance from American tea drinkers.
- The tensions and events during this period set the stage for rebellion, with the colonists increasingly reluctant to pay the tea tax and facing oppressive British policies.
The Mercantilist Belief and British Policy in American Colonies
- Mercantilists believed a country's economic wealth and power could be measured by the amount of gold or silver in its treasury, and to amass gold or silver, a country needed to export more than it imported.
- Possessing colonies conferred distinct advantages as they could supply raw materials to the mother country and provide a guaranteed market for exports.
- The London government viewed American colonists as tenants, expected to furnish products needed in the mother country, buy imported goods exclusively from Britain, and not dream of economic self-sufficiency or self-government.
- Parliament passed laws to regulate the mercantilist system, including the Navigation Law of 1650, aimed at rival Dutch shippers.
- British policy inflicted a currency shortage on the colonies, leading to a drain of gold and silver coins and a resulting money shortage.
- The colonies resorted to using butter, nails, pitch, and feathers for exchange due to the currency shortage.
- British merchants and creditors protested against colonial paper money, leading to Parliament prohibiting the colonial legislatures from printing paper currency and passing indulgent bankruptcy laws.
- The British crown reserved the right to nullify any legislation passed by the colonial assemblies if it worked against the mercantilist system, using the royal veto sparingly.
- Despite being perceived as oppressive, the Navigation Laws were loosely enforced, and enterprising colonial merchants learned to disregard or evade restrictions.
- Americans reaped direct benefits from the mercantile system, including liberal bounties, market monopolies, and protection from the British navy and army.
- However, the mercantile system burdened the colonists with economic dependencies and stifled their economic initiative, leading to a feeling of perpetual economic adolescence.
- Revolution broke out because Britain failed to recognize the emerging nation in the American colonies, and British officials sought to redefine their relationship with the colonies after the Seven Years’ War.
The Road to Revolution: Colonial Resentment and Protest
- Prime Minister George Grenville enforced Navigation Laws and passed the Sugar Act of 1764, the first law to raise tax revenue in the colonies for the crown.
- Edmund Burke warned in 1775 of America's potential economic power.
- The Quartering Act of 1765 required certain colonies to provide for British troops, fueling resentment.
- Grenville imposed the Stamp Act in 1765 to raise revenues for the new military force, mandating the use of stamped paper on various documents.
- Grenville justified these measures as fair taxation for defense costs, despite American anger at fiscal aggression.
- The Stamp Act and Sugar Act allowed trying offenders in admiralty courts without juries, challenging basic English liberties.
- Americans protested fiercely against the Stamp Act, with the cry "No taxation without representation."
- The Massachusetts House of Representatives (1768) expressed the impracticality of full representation in Parliament and preferred taxation without consent over inadequate representation.
- Colonists conceded Parliament's right to legislate but denied its right to impose taxes, asserting that only their elected colonial legislatures could legally tax them.
- Grenville claimed the power of Parliament was supreme and that all British subjects were represented, leading to American scoffing at the notion of virtual representation.
- The colonists tenaciously clung to the principle of no taxation without representation, rejecting direct representation in Parliament as potentially oppressive.
- The principle of no taxation without representation became supremely important to the colonists, guiding their consistent resistance to oppressive tax bills.
The Quebec Act and its impact on American colonists
- The Quebec Act of 1774 was passed alongside the "Intolerable Acts" and extended the boundaries of the province of Quebec southward to the Ohio River, granting religious and cultural freedoms to the French-Canadians.
- The Act was seen as conciliatory by the French-Canadians but was viewed as noxious by American colonists, as it set a precedent against jury trials and popular assemblies and alarmed land speculators and anti-Catholics.
- American dissenters sympathetically responded to the plight of Massachusetts, leading to the summoning of the Continental Congress in 1774, with 12 of the 13 colonies sending representatives to consider redressing colonial grievances.
- The First Continental Congress deliberated for seven weeks and created The Association, which called for a complete boycott of British goods, without yet calling for independence.
- The Congress sought to repeal offensive legislation and return to the days before parliamentary taxation, with the intention to meet again in May 1775 if grievances were not redressed.
- Resistance had not yet turned into open rebellion, but the fatal drift toward war continued as Parliament rejected the Congress's petitions.
- In April 1775, a detachment of British troops was sent to Lexington and Concord to seize colonial gunpowder and arrest "rebel" ringleaders, leading to the Lexington "Massacre" and the shot heard round the world.
- The American colonists refused to disperse, leading to shots fired, and the British troops were forced to retreat from Concord by the Americans.
- The British suffered heavy casualties from the militiamen's fire and ultimately regained the sanctuary of Boston, marking a significant escalation in tensions.
- The Quebec Act's impact on American colonists and the subsequent events led to a deepening divide between the colonies and Britain, further fueling the drift toward war.
- The Quebec Act's extension of Quebec's boundaries and its religious and cultural freedoms for the French-Canadians exacerbated existing tensions and contributed to the growing resistance and eventual rebellion in the American colonies.
- The actions and responses of both British authorities and American colonists following the Quebec Act significantly shaped the course of events leading to the American Revolutionary War.
The Road to Revolution, 1763–1775
- The Quebec Act was seen favorably by French-Canadians but was highly resented by American colonists due to its wide-ranging implications.
- The Act set a dangerous precedent in America against jury trials and popular assemblies, alarming land speculators and anti-Catholics.
- American dissenters sympathized with Massachusetts and responded to the "Intolerable Acts" by rallying support and summoning a Continental Congress in 1774.
- The Continental Congress, comprising delegates from twelve of the thirteen colonies, including notable figures like Samuel Adams and John Adams, met in Philadelphia to address colonial grievances.
- The Congress deliberated for seven weeks, ultimately creating The Association, which called for a complete boycott of British goods.
- The delegates sought to redress colonial grievances and repeal offensive legislation, but were not yet calling for independence.
- Parliament rejected the Congress's petitions, leading to increased resistance and the fatal drift toward war.
- In April 1775, a detachment of British troops was sent to seize colonial gunpowder and capture rebel leaders, resulting in the Lexington Massacre.
- The colonial "Minute Men" refused to disperse, leading to shots being fired and the retreat of the British troops from Concord.
- The British casualties in the conflict numbered about three hundred, leading to the outbreak of war.
- The Quebec Act was a point of contention and resistance, contributing to the mounting tensions that ultimately led to the American Revolutionary War.
- The Act's implications and the events that followed demonstrated the growing divide and conflict between the American colonists and the British government.
American Colonists' Resistance to British Taxation
- Americans rejected the concept of virtual representation and did not want direct representation in Parliament.
- The principle of no taxation without representation was crucial for the colonists and led to revolutionary consequences.
- The Stamp Act Congress of 1765 brought together delegates from nine colonies to petition the king and Parliament to repeal the stamp tax.
- Nonimportation agreements and the adoption of homespun cloth were effective in uniting the American people against British goods.
- Groups like the Sons of Liberty and Daughters of Liberty enforced nonimportation agreements with violence and public defiance.
- Colonial protests led to the breakdown of the machinery for collecting the tax and severe economic repercussions in England.
- Parliament repealed the Stamp Act in 1766 but passed the Declaratory Act, asserting its right to bind the colonies in all cases.
- Control of the British ministry was taken by Charles Townshend, who passed the Townshend Acts, imposing import duties on various goods.
- The colonists, still resentful of any form of taxation without representation, were in a rebellious mood.
- The Americans' resistance to British taxation eventually led to a continuing confrontation and the stage was set for further conflict.
- The British government's assertion of absolute sovereignty over the colonies clashed with the colonists' desire for a measure of sovereignty of their own.
- The resistance of the colonists eventually culminated in the American Revolutionary War.
Road to Revolution: Townshend Acts, Boston Massacre, and Committees of Correspondence
- Townshend revenues were to pay the salaries of royal governors and judges in America
- Americans viewed Townshend’s tax as an attempt to enchain them and revived nonimportation agreements against the Townshend Acts
- The new tax was light and indirect, and colonists could secure smuggled tea at a cheap price, leading to increased smuggling activities
- British officials landed troops in Boston in 1768, leading to clashes with liberty-loving colonists
- The Boston Massacre resulted in the death of eleven citizens, with future president John Adams serving as defense attorney for the soldiers
- King George III's attempts to assert British monarchy power, led by his prime minister Lord North, resulted in the failure of the Townshend Acts to produce revenue
- The government eventually persuaded Parliament to repeal the Townshend revenue duties but retained the tax on tea to keep alive the principle of parliamentary taxation
- Samuel Adams, a master propagandist and engineer of rebellion, organized local committees of correspondence in Massachusetts to spread the spirit of resistance
- Intercolonial committees of correspondence were established, stimulating sentiment in favor of united action and evolving into the first American congresses
- By 1773, nonimportation was weakening, legal tea became cheaper than smuggled tea, and the British East India Company faced bankruptcy
- The Boston Tea Party in 1773 was a significant event that led to the escalation of rebellion
- Increasing numbers of colonists were reluctantly paying the tea tax, leading to a new phase in the road to rebellion
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Description
"The Road to Revolution, 1763–1775: A Time of Tension and Rebellion" and "The Mercantilist Belief and British Policy in American Colonies" quizzes cover the historical events and factors that led to the American Revolution. Test your knowledge on the tensions between the American colonies and the British government, the impact of mercantilist beliefs, and the economic and political dynamics that ultimately led to rebellion.
