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The Proclamation of 1763 aimed to manage new territories after the French and Indian War and avoid conflicts with Indigenous populations. It required licenses for fur trade and marked Britain's intent to control the colonies by prohibiting settlement west of the Appalachian Mountains, reserving land for Indigenous groups. Colonists felt it infringed on their rights and many ignored it, moving westward and increasing tensions with Britain.
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The Sugar Act aimed to increase British government revenue by lowering the molasses tax but enforcing it more strictly and taxing other goods. It restricted trade with non-British sources, reducing markets for colonial goods. Colonists protested, boycotted, and declared "No taxation without representation." This marked a shift in British policy as Parliament first imposed taxes on the colonies solely for government wealth.
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The act aimed to protect British merchants from the decline in colonial currency due to inflation from paper money, increasing debt for British merchants. It gave the British government more control over the colonies and eased trade for British merchants by banning colonial paper money, including its use for debt repayment. Colonists resisted due to scarce British currency, viewing the ban as a violation of economic rights and an attempt at control, leading to start of the American Revolution.
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The Stamp Act was passed to help Britain recover funds after the French and Indian War, marking the first direct tax for revenue. It taxed printed materials on all paper items, payable in scarce British currency instead of colonial paper money. Colonists felt their rights were violated due to taxation without representation and lack of juries. They argued against being taxed without representation, formed the Stamp Act Congress, organized boycotts, and succeeded in repealing the act in 1766.
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This act was passed to recover funds after the war debt and to reduce troop maintenance costs in America. The British aimed to keep troops in the colonies to enforce policies, maintain control, and protect against threats. Colonies had to house soldiers and provide food, drinks, and fuel, though troops couldn't stay in private homes. Colonists resisted with protests and boycotts, viewing the act as a burden. Colonial assemblies opposed the act, leading to tensions like the Boston Massacre.
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This act was passed to reassert control over the colonies after the repeal of the Stamp Act, indicating Britain's intent to maintain power. The Declaratory Act stated Parliament's right to make laws for the colonies in any situation, overriding colonial laws. Initially, colonists were pleased with the Stamp Act's repeal, but the Declaratory Act sparked anger and resentment, furthering tensions leading to the American Revolution.
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The Townshend Act aimed to recover wealth post-French and Indian War, control colonial trade, and assert British authority. It taxed goods like paint, lead, glass, and tea, punishing the colonial government for rebelling against previous acts and seeking revenue. Colonists responded with protests, boycotts, and the "No taxation without representation" stance, leading to the eventual repeal of the Townshend Act.
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A crowd of colonists confronted troops, leading to a deadly confrontation where British soldiers fired into the crowd, killing five colonists, including Crispus Attucks a Native American. The event was publicized, and colonists responded with anger towards the British government. This led to anti-British propaganda and mourning for the victims. Colonists promoted unity and organized more boycotts on British goods fueling the American Revolution and the formation of the Sons of Liberty.
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The Boston Tea Party was a key event leading to the American Revolution, protesting British taxation without representation. American colonists dumped 342 chests, or 92,000 pounds, of tea into Boston Harbor, worth nearly $1,000,000 today. This act demonstrated the colonists' refusal to tolerate unchecked tax policies under British rule.
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These acts punished colonists for the Boston Tea Party, asserting control over Massachusetts and reinforcing British power, pushing the colonies to a revolution. The First Continental Congress formed in response, advancing self-governance. The acts closed Boston's port until tea costs were repaid, increased British power through the Massachusetts Government Act, allowed trials in Britain, and enforced the Quartering and Quebec Act. Colonists aided Boston, boycotted goods, and grew in resistance.
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The act was passed to retaliate against the Boston Tea Party and punish colonists, asserting Britain's control. It saved Britain money by forcing colonists to house troops. The British military could demand housing in both public and private homes, which colonists had to provide and fund. Colonists reacted with resentment, boycotts, and refusing to house soldiers. This fueled the American Revolution and influenced the Third Amendment, restricting quartering soldiers without homeowner consent.
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This was enacted to integrate French-speaking populations into the British Empire post-French and Indian War, maintaining boundaries and control between colonies and former American territories. It expanded territory into previously owned American lands and granted religious freedom to Catholics. Colonists felt threatened, and ongoing tensions contributed to the onset of the American Revolution.