Intolerable Acts

Definition

The Intolerable Acts were a series of punitive measures imposed by the British Parliament in 1774, aimed at quelling colonial unrest in response to the Boston Tea Party. These acts included the Boston Port Act, Massachusetts Government Act, Administration of Justice Act, Quartering Act, and the Quebec Act, all designed to reassert British authority and diminish colonial self-governance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Intolerable Acts were passed in direct response to the Boston Tea Party, which was seen as an act of defiance against British authority.
2. One significant measure was the Boston Port Act, which closed Boston Harbor until the tea lost in the Boston Tea Party was paid for, crippling the local economy.
3. The Massachusetts Government Act revoked the colony's charter, limiting town meetings and shifting power to appointed officials, further inflaming colonial anger.
4. The Quartering Act allowed British troops to be housed in civilian homes, which was deeply unpopular among colonists and viewed as an invasion of privacy.
5. The reaction to the Intolerable Acts helped unify the colonies, leading to the formation of the First Continental Congress and fostering a spirit of rebellion.

Review Questions

• How did the Intolerable Acts impact colonial unity and resistance against British rule?
  • The Intolerable Acts significantly escalated tensions between Britain and the American colonies, prompting many colonists to unite against perceived tyranny. The harshness of these acts served as a rallying point for colonies that had previously been divided in their responses to British policies. This newfound solidarity culminated in the establishment of the First Continental Congress, where representatives from various colonies gathered to discuss collective action against British oppression.
• What specific provisions were included in the Intolerable Acts, and how did each contribute to colonial discontent?
  • The Intolerable Acts included several key provisions: The Boston Port Act closed Boston Harbor; the Massachusetts Government Act curtailed local governance; the Administration of Justice Act allowed royal officials to be tried elsewhere; and the Quartering Act required colonists to house British soldiers. Each provision was perceived as an infringement on colonial rights and freedoms, escalating resentment toward British control and motivating further resistance efforts.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the Intolerable Acts on American society and their role in shaping revolutionary sentiments leading up to independence.
  • The Intolerable Acts had profound long-term effects on American society by galvanizing opposition to British rule and fostering a sense of shared identity among colonists. These acts not only mobilized political activism but also led to increased communication and collaboration across colonies. This environment of resistance laid critical groundwork for revolutionary movements and ultimately played a pivotal role in shaping sentiments that drove the colonies toward seeking independence from Britain, culminating in the outbreak of war.

Related terms

Boston Tea Party: A political protest that took place in December 1773, where American colonists dumped 342 chests of British tea into Boston Harbor as a reaction against the Tea Act.

First Continental Congress: A gathering of delegates from twelve of the thirteen colonies in September 1774 to address colonial grievances and organize resistance against British policies, including the Intolerable Acts.

Colonial Resistance: The various forms of opposition and defiance that American colonists engaged in against British rule, leading up to the Revolutionary War.