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End of the French-Indian War
Event: The French and Indian War ended with the Treaty of Paris, giving Britain control of most of North America.
Colonial Reaction: Colonists were proud of the British victory but upset by new taxes and restrictions that followed. -
Sugar Act
Act: The Sugar Act placed a tax on sugar and molasses imported into the colonies.
Colonial Reaction: Colonists protested and argued that the tax hurt trade and was passed without their consent. -
Stamp Act
Act: The Stamp Act required colonists to buy a stamp for every piece of printed paper they used.
Colonial Reaction: Widespread anger and boycotts led to riots and the formation of the Stamp Act Congress. -
Declaratory Act
Act: Parliament repealed the Stamp Act but declared it still had full authority to make laws for the colonies.
Colonial Reaction: Colonists celebrated the repeal but were uneasy about Britain’s claim of total power. -
Townshend Acts
Act: These acts taxed imported goods such as glass, paint, paper, and tea.
Colonial Reaction: Colonists responded with more boycotts and protests, especially in cities like Boston. -
Tea Act
Act: The Tea Act allowed the British East India Company to sell tea directly to the colonies, undercutting local merchants.
Colonial Reaction: Enraged colonists protested by dumping tea into Boston Harbor during the Boston Tea Party. -
Start of the Revolutionary War
Event: Fighting broke out between British troops and colonial militias at Lexington and Concord.
Colonial Reaction: The colonies united in armed resistance, marking the beginning of the American Revolution.