The Navigation Acts and Colonial Tensions

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Questions and Answers

What was the main reason colonists were outraged by the Tea Act of 1773?

It increased the tax on tea imported from other countries.

It forced colonial merchants into a monopoly on British tea. (correct)

It allowed the colonists to sell their own tea without restrictions.

It eliminated all previous taxes on tea purchased locally.

What was the action taken by colonists during the Boston Tea Party?

They dumped large quantities of tea into Boston Harbor. (correct)

They agreed to pay for the destroyed tea to avoid conflict.

They set up trade agreements with other non-British tea companies.

They organized a protest rally against British tea merchants.

What was one of the consequences of the Coercive Acts on Massachusetts?

It provided greater autonomy to local government officials.

It led to the blocking of Boston Harbor until reparations were paid. (correct)

It allowed trade with other countries to encourage competition.

It mandated elections for a new colonial assembly.

How did the Intolerable Acts affect the relationship between the colonies and Britain?

They further united the colonies in resistance against British rule. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a key provision of the Coercive Acts?

The imposition of a new tax on all imported goods. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary purpose of the Stamp Act passed by British Parliament in 1765?

To help cover military defense costs in the colonies Signup and view all the answers

What phrase did colonists coin to express their frustration with the Stamp Act?

No taxation without representation Signup and view all the answers

Which event marked the first coordinated action against British taxation in the colonies?

The Stamp Act Congress Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the immediate consequences of the Boston Massacre?

Escalation of anti-British propaganda Signup and view all the answers

Why did the colonists feel the Stamp Act was particularly unjust?

It imposed taxes without colonial representation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following territories did Britain gain as a result of the Treaty of Paris in 1763?

Canada Signup and view all the answers

What action did colonists take against British goods in response to the Stamp Act?

Organizing a boycott of British goods Signup and view all the answers

What was the Declaratory Act that Parliament passed after repealing the Stamp Act?

An assertion of Parliament's authority over the colonies Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary objective of the Navigation Acts?

To enhance the self-sufficiency of the British Empire. Signup and view all the answers

What did the Navigation Act of 1660 mandate regarding British and colonial ships?

All trade must be conducted on British or colonial ships. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following goods was included in the 'enumerated goods' list under the Navigation Act of 1660?

Tobacco Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant impact of the Navigation Act of 1663?

It mandated all colonial imports to be shipped through Britain first. Signup and view all the answers

What was the key purpose of the Navigation Act of 1696?

To prevent smuggling and enforce trade laws. Signup and view all the answers

Which tax was imposed to create a monopoly favoring British sugar islands according to the Molasses Act of 1733?

A tax on molasses imported from non-British colonies. Signup and view all the answers

How did the French and Indian War impact British-American colonial relations?

It increased tensions due to higher taxes and control. Signup and view all the answers

What did the Navigation Acts aim to achieve concerning foreign imports?

To restrict colonies from trading with non-British nations. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

British Parliament passed Navigation Acts to control colonial trade and promote empire self-sufficiency.
Key objectives: Encourage internal production, control trade between Britain and colonies, restricting sales to Britain or other British colonies.
Navigation Act of 1660: Required colonial trade on British ships, listed "enumerated goods" (sugar, tobacco, cotton) for British markets, and prohibited certain British productions.
Navigation Act of 1663: Required imports from foreign countries to travel through Britain, leading to inspection, taxation and then distribution.
Navigation Act of 1696: Aimed at reducing smuggling, required colonial governors' oaths to enforce trade laws, established a supervising body. Colonial dissatisfaction and tension increased.
Molasses Act of 1733: Taxed molasses, sugar and rum from non-British colonies to favor British sugar producers. This created tension as New England traders relied on cheaper French molasses.

Impact of the French and Indian War

Britain gained control of French territories in North America, reducing French threats.
Treaty of Paris (1763) resulted in Britain gaining Canada and lands east of Mississippi River. Spain received Louisiana.
Proclamation of 1763: Prohibited colonial settlement west of Appalachian Mountains. Colonists were frustrated by this restriction.

Colonial Discontent and Escalating Tensions

Stamp Act Crisis (1765-1766): Parliament levied a tax on paper goods in colonies (newspapers, licenses, legal documents). Colonists saw it as unfair taxation without representation.
Stamp Act Congress (1765): Delegates from nine colonies met to resist the tax. They argued against internal taxes without colonial representation, emphasizing "no taxation without representation."
Colonial resistance: Pamphlets, demonstrations, and boycotts pressured British merchants.
Declaratory Act (1766): Asserted Britain's right to legislate for colonies.
Boston Massacre (March 5, 1770): Tensions between British soldiers and Boston residents led to the deaths of colonists sparking outrage and fueling resistance.
Tea Act (1773): British East India Company was given a monopoly on tea sales in colonies. To save the company and limit colonial smugglers. This infuriated colonial merchants.
Boston Tea Party (December 16, 1773): Colonial protest against the Tea Act resulted in dumped tea into Boston Harbor.
Coercive Acts (1774) or Intolerable Acts: Parliament passed acts to punish Massachusetts for the Boston Tea Party, including the Boston Port Act and Massachusetts Government Act. Increased colonial unity against British policies.

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Description

Explore the impact of the Navigation Acts on colonial trade and the growing tensions between Britain and its American colonies. This quiz covers key acts such as the Navigation Act of 1660, 1663, and 1696, and the Molasses Act of 1733. Test your knowledge of how these laws shaped colonial economics and relationships.