Early US - Unit 1: The American Revolution

What tax did the British impose on the colonies in 1764?

The Sugar Act, which placed a tax on imports like sugar.

Why did the British impose the Sugar Act?

To make back the money from the French and Indian War; repay war debts.

What act was passed in March 1765?

The Parliament passed the Stamp Act.

What did the Stamp Act mean?

Colonists had to purchase special stamped paper for every legal document.

What secret group did Boston citizens make?

The Sons of Liberty

Famous founder of the Sons of Liberty

Samuel Adams

What did Virginia’s lower house do to fight the Stamp Act?

They adopted several resolutions put forth by Patrick Henry (29yo lawyer): Stated Virginians could only be taxed by their own representatives.

What did other colonies do to protest against the Stamp Act?

They created the Declaration of Rights and Grievances: stated Parliament couldn’t tax colonists because Parliament didn’t represent them.

What act was passed by Parliament in 1767?

The Townshend Act, taxing all goods imported from Britain including tea

What significant event occurred on March 5th. 1770, between colonists and British soldiers at Boston?

The Boston Massacre: Mob of colonists gathered in front of Boston Customs House, taunting and throwing things at troops. Shots were fired and 5 colonists were killed.

In 1773, British prime minister Lord Frederick North came up with the idea of this act?

Tea Act

What did the Tea Act do?

It gave the British East India Company the right to sell tea tax free, helping to avoid the company going bankrupt

In protest of the Tea Act, what did a group of rebels do?

Disguised themselves as Native Americans, boarded 3 British ships, and dumped 18,000 pounds of BEIC tea into Boston Harbor.

When was the Boston Tea Party?

1773 (Dec 6)

In response to the Boston Tea Party, who specifically became infuriated?

King George III

What acts did King George III push Parliament to pass to punish the Bostonians for the Boston Tea Party?

Intolerable Acts (Coercive Acts)

What types of things did the Intolerable Acts establish?

Blockaded Boston with British ships, forbid public meetings, forced colonists to lodge and feed British soldiers, and more.

In response to the Intolerable Acts, what did delegates do?

56 colonial delegates met in Philadelphia at the First Continental Congress.

What did the delegates at the First Continental Congress conclude?

They defended colonial rights allowing them to run their own affairs, and agreed to fight back if Britain used force against colonies.

Who were minutemen?

Civilian soldiers

The British military sent agents worried colonists were stockpiling weapons. What did they return with?

Maps of the locations of Concord and Lexington and news John Hancock and Samuel Adams were staying in Lexington.

Who was sent to warn townsfolk if the British came?

Paul Revere, member of the Sons of Liberty

On April 18, 1775, William Dawes and Samuel Prescott rode out to spread word that these were headed for Concord?

700 British Regulars

By April 19, 1775, British troops reached where? Who took arms against them?

They reached Lexington; Minutemen took arms against them, who ultimately lost.

How many minutemen assembled to fire on British troops?

3000-4000 minutemen fired on the British, who retreated to Boston

The loyalties that divided colonists sparked endless debate at this meeting?

Second Continental Congress