Glossary

6.1 Causes of the American Revolution (Stamp Act, Boston Tea Party, Intolerable Acts)

12 min read•august 20, 2024

The American Revolution was sparked by a series of British policies that angered colonists. The , , and were key events that fueled colonial resentment and resistance against British rule.

These incidents highlighted the growing divide between Britain and its American colonies. As tensions escalated, colonists began organizing and coordinating their opposition, setting the stage for the eventual fight for independence.

British colonial policies

  • The British government implemented various policies to regulate trade and assert control over its North American colonies
  • These policies aimed to maximize the economic benefits for Britain while limiting the colonies' autonomy and
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  • Series of laws passed by the British Parliament to control colonial trade and protect British mercantile interests
  • Required goods to be shipped on British ships and traded through British ports, ensuring that the British government could collect taxes and duties
  • Prohibited the colonies from trading directly with other nations, forcing them to rely on British intermediaries
  • Restricted the production of certain goods in the colonies to prevent competition with British manufacturers (Iron Act of 1750)

Proclamation of 1763

  • Issued by King George III following the Seven Years' War (French and Indian War)
  • Prohibited colonial settlement west of the Appalachian Mountains to prevent conflicts with Native Americans and maintain control over the newly acquired territories
  • Angered colonists who sought to expand westward and exploit new land opportunities
  • Seen as an infringement on colonial rights and a hindrance to economic growth

Quartering Act

  • Passed by the British Parliament in 1765 and later amended in 1774
  • Required the colonies to provide housing and supplies for British soldiers stationed in North America
  • Colonists resented the presence of standing armies in peacetime and viewed the act as an invasion of privacy and a form of taxation without consent
  • Contributed to growing tensions between the colonies and the British government

Colonial opposition

  • As British colonial policies became more restrictive and burdensome, colonists began to resist and organize opposition movements
  • Colonial leaders argued that the British government was violating their rights as English subjects and undermining their ability to govern themselves

No taxation without representation

  • A rallying cry for colonial opposition to British taxation policies
  • Colonists argued that they should not be taxed by a government in which they had no elected representatives
  • Believed that taxation without consent violated the principles of English liberty and the colonial charters that granted them certain rights and privileges

Sons of Liberty

  • A group of colonial activists who organized resistance against British policies, particularly the Stamp Act and other taxation measures
  • Used tactics such as protests, boycotts, and intimidation to oppose British authority and rally public support
  • Notable members included , John Hancock, and Paul Revere
  • Played a crucial role in coordinating colonial opposition and fostering a sense of shared grievances against British rule

Committees of Correspondence

  • A network of communication established among the colonies to share information and coordinate resistance efforts
  • Allowed colonial leaders to exchange ideas, share news of British actions, and plan collective responses
  • Helped to build a sense of unity and common purpose among the colonies, laying the groundwork for future cooperation and eventual independence

Stamp Act crisis

  • The Stamp Act, passed by the British Parliament in 1765, was a direct tax on printed materials in the colonies, including newspapers, legal documents, and playing cards
  • The act sparked widespread opposition and protests throughout the colonies, marking a turning point in colonial resistance to British authority

Provisions of the Stamp Act

  • Required all printed materials in the colonies to bear an official stamp, which had to be purchased from British authorities
  • The cost of the stamps varied depending on the type of document or item being taxed
  • The revenue generated from the Stamp Act was to be used to help pay for the cost of maintaining British troops in North America

Colonial protests and boycotts

  • Colonists responded to the Stamp Act with fierce opposition, arguing that it violated their rights as English subjects
  • Protests erupted in major colonial cities, with crowds burning effigies of British officials and destroying stamped paper
  • Merchants and consumers organized boycotts of British goods to put economic pressure on the British government
  • Many colonial courts and businesses refused to use stamped paper, effectively nullifying the act in practice

Stamp Act Congress

  • In October 1765, representatives from nine colonies met in New York City to coordinate a unified response to the Stamp Act
  • The congress issued a "Declaration of Rights and Grievances," which asserted that only colonial legislatures had the authority to tax the colonies
  • The declaration also reaffirmed the colonists' rights as English subjects and called for the repeal of the Stamp Act
  • Although the Stamp Act Congress did not have any legal authority, it demonstrated the colonies' ability to cooperate and present a united front against British policies

Townshend Acts

  • In 1767, British Parliament passed the Townshend Acts, named after Charles Townshend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer
  • The acts imposed new duties on imported goods such as glass, lead, paper, paint, and tea, and established a Board of Customs Commissioners in Boston to enforce compliance

Import duties on British goods

  • The Townshend Acts placed duties on various British goods imported into the colonies
  • The purpose of these duties was to raise revenue to help pay for the cost of maintaining British troops in North America and to assert Parliament's authority to tax the colonies
  • The duties were seen as an indirect tax, as they were paid by merchants who imported the goods, but the costs were ultimately passed on to colonial consumers

Colonial resistance and non-importation

  • Colonists responded to the Townshend Acts with renewed opposition and resistance
  • Merchants in several colonies organized non-importation agreements, pledging to boycott British goods until the duties were repealed
  • The non-importation movement aimed to put economic pressure on British merchants and manufacturers, who would then lobby Parliament to repeal the acts
  • Women played a significant role in the non-importation movement by supporting the boycotts and producing homespun cloth as a substitute for British textiles

Repeal of the Townshend Acts

  • Faced with colonial resistance and declining trade, the British government partially repealed the Townshend Acts in 1770
  • The duties on glass, lead, paper, and paint were lifted, but the tax on tea remained in place as a symbol of Parliament's authority to tax the colonies
  • The partial repeal did not fully satisfy colonial grievances, and tensions continued to simmer in the following years

Boston Massacre

  • On March 5, 1770, a confrontation between British soldiers and a crowd of colonists in Boston escalated into violence, resulting in the death of five colonists
  • The incident, known as the Boston Massacre, further strained relations between the colonies and the British government and became a rallying point for colonial opposition

British troops in Boston

  • In 1768, the British government sent two regiments of soldiers to Boston to help enforce the Townshend Acts and maintain order in the city
  • The presence of British troops in the city was deeply resented by the colonists, who saw it as an occupation force and a threat to their liberties
  • Tensions between soldiers and colonists were high, with frequent confrontations and skirmishes in the streets

Tensions between soldiers and colonists

  • On the evening of March 5, 1770, a group of colonists began taunting and throwing snowballs and other objects at a British sentry outside the Custom House
  • The situation escalated as more colonists gathered and the sentry called for reinforcements
  • A group of British soldiers, led by Captain Thomas Preston, arrived on the scene and formed a defensive line, further angering the crowd

Propaganda and public outrage

  • In the confusion and chaos, the British soldiers fired into the crowd, killing three colonists instantly (Crispus Attucks, Samuel Gray, and James Caldwell) and wounding several others, two of whom later died from their injuries
  • The event was quickly seized upon by colonial propagandists, such as Paul Revere, who created a famous engraving depicting the soldiers as brutal aggressors and the colonists as innocent victims
  • The Boston Massacre fueled anti-British sentiment throughout the colonies and became a powerful symbol of colonial oppression and the need for resistance

Tea Act and Boston Tea Party

  • In 1773, the British Parliament passed the , which granted the British East India Company a monopoly on the importation of tea to the colonies
  • The act was met with fierce opposition in the colonies, culminating in the Boston Tea Party, a dramatic act of resistance that escalated tensions between the colonies and the British government

British East India Company monopoly

  • The Tea Act gave the British East India Company the exclusive right to sell tea in the colonies, bypassing colonial merchants
  • The act was intended to help the financially struggling company and to undercut the price of smuggled Dutch tea, which was popular in the colonies
  • Although the Tea Act actually lowered the price of tea for colonial consumers, it was seen as another attempt by the British government to assert its power over the colonies

Colonial opposition to the Tea Act

  • Colonists viewed the Tea Act as a threat to their economic interests and an infringement on their rights as English subjects
  • Colonial merchants, who were cut out of the tea trade by the East India Company's monopoly, were particularly vocal in their opposition
  • Many colonists also saw the Tea Act as a ploy to get them to accept Parliament's right to tax them, as the act maintained the tax on tea that had been imposed by the Townshend Acts

Destruction of tea in Boston Harbor

  • On the night of December 16, 1773, a group of colonists disguised as Native Americans boarded three ships in Boston Harbor and dumped 342 chests of East India Company tea into the water
  • The Boston Tea Party, as it came to be known, was a dramatic act of resistance against the Tea Act and British authority
  • The destruction of the tea was a significant escalation in colonial opposition and marked a turning point in the growing conflict between the colonies and the British government

Coercive Acts (Intolerable Acts)

  • In response to the Boston Tea Party, the British Parliament passed a series of laws in 1774 known as the Coercive Acts, which the colonists dubbed the "Intolerable Acts"
  • These acts were intended to punish Massachusetts for the destruction of the tea and to assert British authority over the colonies

Boston Port Act

  • Closed the port of Boston until the destroyed tea was paid for and order was restored in the city
  • The act effectively shut down Boston's economy, as the city was heavily dependent on maritime trade
  • Colonists in other parts of Massachusetts and in other colonies rallied to support Boston, sending food and supplies to help the city withstand the economic pressure

Massachusetts Government Act

  • Restricted the powers of the Massachusetts legislature and gave the British-appointed governor more control over the colony's government
  • The act was seen as a direct assault on colonial self-government and a dangerous precedent for other colonies

Administration of Justice Act

  • Allowed British officials accused of crimes in the colonies to be tried in Britain, where they were more likely to be acquitted
  • Colonists saw this as a way for British officials to escape accountability for their actions and as a threat to colonial judicial systems

Quartering Act of 1774

  • Required the colonies to provide housing and supplies for British soldiers, even in private homes if necessary
  • This act was an expansion of the earlier and was deeply resented by colonists who saw it as an invasion of their privacy and property rights

Quebec Act

  • Expanded the boundaries of the British colony of Quebec and granted religious freedom to French Catholics in the region
  • Although not directly related to the events in Massachusetts, the Quebec Act was grouped with the Coercive Acts by the colonists
  • Many colonists saw the act as a threat to their territorial claims in the west and as an attempt to establish Catholicism in North America

First Continental Congress

  • In response to the Coercive Acts, twelve of the thirteen colonies (all except Georgia) sent delegates to a meeting in Philadelphia in September 1774 known as the First
  • The congress was a significant step towards colonial unity and laid the groundwork for future resistance to British authority

Colonial delegates and representation

  • Each colony sent delegates chosen by their respective legislatures or by popular conventions
  • Notable delegates included John Adams, Samuel Adams, George Washington, and
  • The congress marked the first time that representatives from most of the colonies gathered to discuss their common grievances and to coordinate a united response

Declaration of Rights and Grievances

  • The First Continental Congress issued a "Declaration of Rights and Grievances," which outlined the colonies' complaints against British policies and asserted their rights as English subjects
  • The declaration denounced the Coercive Acts as unconstitutional and called for their repeal
  • It also reaffirmed the colonies' right to self-government and their opposition to

Continental Association and boycotts

  • The congress adopted the Continental Association, an agreement to boycott British goods and to implement a trade embargo until the Coercive Acts were repealed
  • The association called for the creation of committees in each colony to enforce the boycott and to monitor compliance
  • The economic pressure of the boycott was intended to force the British government to address colonial grievances and to negotiate a resolution to the growing crisis

Escalation of tensions

  • Following the First Continental Congress, tensions between the colonies and the British government continued to escalate, leading to a series of confrontations that ultimately sparked the American Revolutionary War

Powder Alarm and Concord confrontation

  • In September 1774, British General Thomas Gage, the governor of Massachusetts, ordered the seizure of gunpowder and other military supplies from colonial stores in Charlestown and Cambridge
  • The "Powder Alarm," as it came to be known, caused widespread panic and led to the mobilization of colonial militias
  • In April 1775, Gage ordered troops to march to Concord to seize colonial weapons and arrest key rebel leaders, setting the stage for a direct confrontation

Lexington and Concord battles

  • On April 19, 1775, British troops encountered colonial militiamen on the green in Lexington, Massachusetts
  • A shot was fired, triggering a brief skirmish that left eight colonists dead and marked the beginning of armed conflict between the colonies and British forces
  • The British troops continued on to Concord, where they searched for weapons and supplies, but were met with resistance from colonial militiamen at the North Bridge
  • As the British retreated back to Boston, they were subjected to sniper fire from colonial militia along the route, suffering significant casualties

Siege of Boston

  • Following the battles of , colonial militia from Massachusetts and surrounding colonies converged on Boston, laying siege to the city and trapping the British forces inside
  • The siege, which lasted from April 1775 to March 1776, effectively cut off British supply lines and prevented them from launching further offensives into the countryside
  • The colonial forces, under the command of George Washington, worked to fortify their positions and to pressure the British to abandon the city
  • In March 1776, the British finally evacuated Boston, marking a significant victory for the colonial cause and setting the stage for a wider conflict

Second Continental Congress

  • As the conflict with Britain intensified, the Second Continental Congress convened in Philadelphia in May 1775 to coordinate the colonial war effort and to establish a unified government
  • The congress served as the de facto national government of the colonies during the American Revolutionary War

Olive Branch Petition

  • In an attempt to avoid further bloodshed, the Second Continental Congress adopted the Olive Branch Petition in July 1775
  • The petition, addressed to King George III, expressed the colonies' loyalty to the crown and their desire for a peaceful resolution to the conflict
  • However, the king rejected the petition and declared the colonies to be in a state of rebellion, dashing hopes for a negotiated settlement

Declaration of the Causes and Necessity of Taking Up Arms

  • Issued by the Second Continental Congress in July 1775, this document outlined the colonies' reasons for taking up arms against British forces
  • The declaration justified the colonial military response as a defensive measure against British aggression and violations of colonial rights
  • It also reiterated the colonies' desire for reconciliation, while affirming their determination to resist British oppression

Continental Army and George Washington

  • One of the first actions of the Second Continental Congress was to establish the Continental Army, a unified military force representing all of the colonies
  • George Washington, a delegate from Virginia, was appointed as the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army
  • Washington's leadership and military experience proved crucial in organizing and training the colonial forces, as well as in developing strategies to counter British military superiority
  • The creation of the Continental Army marked a significant step towards colonial unity and independence, as it demonstrated the colonies' willingness to work together to resist British authority

Key Terms to Review (24)

Boston Tea Party: The Boston Tea Party was a political protest that took place on December 16, 1773, where American colonists, frustrated by British taxation without representation, dumped 342 chests of tea into Boston Harbor. This act of defiance was a direct response to the Tea Act of 1773 and escalated tensions between Britain and the colonies, ultimately contributing to the onset of the American Revolution.
Bunker Hill: The Battle of Bunker Hill was a significant early conflict in the American Revolutionary War, occurring on June 17, 1775. Despite being technically a British victory, the battle demonstrated that colonial forces could stand up to the British army, boosting morale among American patriots and solidifying their resolve for independence. The intense fighting and heavy casualties experienced by British troops highlighted the growing tension and conflict stemming from issues like taxation without representation and the repressive measures imposed by British authorities.
Civil Disobedience: Civil disobedience is the active, nonviolent refusal to comply with laws or government policies that are considered unjust. This concept relies on the belief that individuals have a moral duty to resist and challenge oppressive systems through peaceful means. It often involves public demonstrations and acts of protest that aim to bring attention to grievances and advocate for change.
Common Sense: Common Sense is a pamphlet written by Thomas Paine in 1776 that advocated for American independence from British rule. It played a crucial role in shaping public opinion by presenting clear arguments against monarchy and the injustices faced by the colonies, ultimately inspiring colonists to take action against British oppression. This influential work helped unify the American colonies and made the idea of independence more accessible to the general public.
Continental Congress: The Continental Congress was a series of legislative assemblies held by representatives from the Thirteen Colonies during the American Revolution. It played a crucial role in unifying the colonies against British rule, organizing resistance efforts, and ultimately declaring independence. The Congress acted as a central governing body, addressing issues like taxation, military strategy, and foreign relations, especially during pivotal moments like the Stamp Act, Boston Tea Party, and the Intolerable Acts.
Daughters of the American Revolution: The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1890, dedicated to promoting historic preservation, education, and patriotism among its members. This organization connects to earlier revolutionary sentiments and actions by descendants of those who fought for American independence, emphasizing a continuity of values such as liberty and national pride, which became increasingly important in the context of rising tensions leading to rebellion.
Declaration of Independence: The Declaration of Independence is a historic document adopted on July 4, 1776, that announced the American colonies' separation from British rule and outlined the principles of individual liberty and government accountability. This document embodies Enlightenment ideals by emphasizing natural rights, the social contract, and the importance of consent from the governed, all of which fueled the desire for independence and shaped the nation's foundation.
Enlightenment Thought: Enlightenment thought refers to a philosophical movement that emerged in the 17th and 18th centuries, emphasizing reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority. This intellectual awakening challenged existing norms and influenced revolutionary ideas about government, rights, and society, laying the groundwork for events such as the American Revolution.
Intolerable Acts: The Intolerable Acts were a series of punitive laws enacted by the British Parliament in 1774, aimed at suppressing dissent in the American colonies following the Boston Tea Party. These acts were viewed by colonists as an infringement on their rights and liberties, further escalating tensions that led to the American Revolution. The harsh measures included the closing of Boston Harbor and the revocation of Massachusetts' charter, making it clear that Britain was willing to use force to maintain control over its colonies.
Lexington and Concord: Lexington and Concord refers to the first military engagements of the American Revolutionary War, occurring on April 19, 1775, in Massachusetts. This confrontation marked a turning point in colonial resistance against British authority, showcasing the growing tensions stemming from various acts imposed by Britain, including taxation without representation and oppressive laws that fueled discontent among the colonists.
Liberalism: Liberalism is a political and economic philosophy that emphasizes individual rights, freedom, and equality under the law. It advocates for a government that is based on consent of the governed and the protection of natural rights, which are inherent to all individuals. This philosophy promotes ideas like social contracts and separation of powers, which influenced the development of democratic systems and sparked revolutionary movements, especially during times of oppression or colonial rule.
Patrick Henry: Patrick Henry was an influential American revolutionary leader known for his oratory skills and passionate advocacy for colonial rights in the lead-up to the American Revolution. He is best remembered for his declaration, 'Give me liberty, or give me death!' which encapsulated the growing sentiment against British rule, particularly during events like the Stamp Act and the Intolerable Acts. His contributions also shaped debates during the formation of the new government, reflecting the tensions between federalist and anti-federalist viewpoints.
Quartering Act: The Quartering Act was a series of laws passed by the British Parliament that required American colonists to provide housing and supplies to British troops stationed in the colonies. This act was seen as an infringement on the rights of the colonists and contributed to rising tensions leading up to the American Revolution, particularly as it was enforced alongside other controversial acts like the Stamp Act and the Intolerable Acts.
Republicanism: Republicanism is a political ideology centered on the belief that a government should be based on the consent of the governed and that representatives should be elected to serve the people. This principle emphasizes individual rights, civic virtue, and the importance of a social contract between citizens and their government, reflecting Enlightenment ideas about democracy and governance.
Samuel Adams: Samuel Adams was a prominent American statesman, political philosopher, and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, known for his role in organizing resistance against British colonial policies. He was a leading figure in the American Revolution, particularly noted for his involvement in events like the Boston Tea Party and his fierce opposition to the Stamp Act and Intolerable Acts, which galvanized public sentiment against British rule.
Saratoga: The Battles of Saratoga, fought in September and October 1777, marked a crucial turning point in the American Revolutionary War. These battles resulted in a decisive victory for the American forces against the British, significantly boosting American morale and persuading France to enter the war as an ally. The victory at Saratoga is often viewed as a key moment in garnering international support for the American cause.
Self-governance: Self-governance refers to the ability of a group or community to govern itself without external control, making decisions based on the collective will of its members. This concept played a significant role in shaping colonial society as communities began to establish their own local governments and institutions. It reflects a growing desire for independence and the ability to manage local affairs, which ultimately contributed to significant political movements and events leading up to revolution.
Sons of Liberty: The Sons of Liberty was a secret society formed in the American colonies to oppose British rule and resist taxation without representation. Established in the mid-1760s, this group played a crucial role in organizing protests against oppressive laws, such as the Stamp Act, leading to significant events like the Boston Tea Party. They were influential in uniting colonists against perceived injustices and laid the groundwork for the American Revolution.
Stamp Act: The Stamp Act was a law passed by the British Parliament in 1765 that imposed a direct tax on a wide array of printed materials in the American colonies, requiring them to purchase special stamped paper for documents, newspapers, and other publications. This act marked a significant shift in colonial relations with Britain, fueling resentment and resistance among colonists, ultimately laying the groundwork for further acts of rebellion leading up to the American Revolution.
Sugar Act: The Sugar Act, enacted in 1764, was a British law aimed at reducing the smuggling of sugar and molasses in the colonies by increasing duties on imported goods. This act was one of the first attempts by Britain to impose direct taxation on the colonies, leading to widespread discontent and serving as a precursor to more aggressive measures such as the Stamp Act and the Boston Tea Party. The Sugar Act intensified colonial resistance against British taxation policies and played a critical role in the buildup to the American Revolution.
Taxation without representation: Taxation without representation refers to the practice of imposing taxes on a population without granting them a voice in the legislative processes that create those taxes. This concept became a rallying cry for American colonists who felt that British Parliament's imposition of taxes violated their rights as English subjects, which directly contributed to rising tensions and eventual rebellion against British rule.
Tea Act: The Tea Act of 1773 was a law passed by the British Parliament that granted the British East India Company the exclusive right to sell tea in the American colonies, effectively lowering the price of tea but enforcing a tax. This act was met with fierce opposition in the colonies, leading to significant events like protests and ultimately the Boston Tea Party. It highlighted colonial grievances against British taxation without representation, intensifying the push toward revolution.
The federalist papers: The Federalist Papers are a collection of 85 articles and essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay in the late 1780s to promote the ratification of the United States Constitution. These writings explained the intentions behind the proposed government and addressed concerns regarding federalism and individual rights, thereby influencing public opinion and political thought during a critical time in American history.
Thomas Paine: Thomas Paine was an influential political thinker and writer in the 18th century, best known for his pamphlet 'Common Sense,' which advocated for American independence from British rule. His writings significantly shaped colonial society and politics by encouraging ordinary people to engage in the revolutionary cause, and he played a pivotal role in galvanizing public opinion against oppressive British policies leading up to the American Revolution.
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