The Road to Revolution
1763-1775
What were the reasons for the Revolution?
What were the reasons for the Revolution?
Social? Political? Economic?
Often mercantilism is cited-was it a reason?
Greenvilles Program
George Greenville was the British Prime Minister-he had to resolve the financial crisis.
Greenvilles Program:
End of Salutary Neglect-not to let the colonies do whatever they wanted to do, they needed to be managed and taxed.
Cost of the Peace-in addition to the war, the British stationed about 10K additional troops in the colonies and royal and tax officials, these people needed to be paid for.
Greenvilles offer-explained that the colonies owed a share of the debt from the war, and that they could pay as much as they could afford and tax themselves.
Colonial Response to Greenville
Rejection
Colonists said that it was the job of the British empire to protect the people of
the Empire. Why should we pay more?
Sugar Act, 1764
Also known as the Revenue Act.
Reduced the price of French sugar, but added items to the list that could only be sent to England.
Colonial reaction was somewhat mild few people were buying French Molasses, and those who did not agree
with the shipping standards could just evade them as
they had always done.
Stamp Act, 1765
Already in place in England
It forced all documents, newspapers, almanacs, legal documents, college
diplomas, playing cards, liquor license, and
dice, to be taxed. It was like a sales receipt.
Parliament planned on keeping the revenue in a separate account used only
for the colonies.
Colonial Reaction to the Stamp Act
Patrick Henry and Virginia Resolves
No taxation without representation
Stamp Act Riots
John Adams
Stamp Act Congress
Sons of Liberty
Sam Adams
British Response to the Colonial Response
Repeal- 1766
William Pitt
John Hancock
Declaratory Act-1
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