The Road to Independence

1763-1767

Treaty of ParisFebruary 2, 1763, Treaty of Paris ending The French and Indian War is signed. Great Britain gains control of all of France’s land in North America.

British Problems

• How to deal with new land?

• How to govern it?• How to protect it?

• How to pay the huge war debt?

Proclamation of 1763

Brought on by Pontiac’s War, the proclamation prohibited any new settlers from moving west of the Appalachian Mountains. To protect against Indian attacks, 10,000 soldiers would be stationed in America.

Paying the War DebtThe job of paying the war debt fell to George Grenville. He believed that America must pay. He imposed a tax on sugar, a common practice in England, on the colonies. Became known as The Sugar Act. Place a small import tax on sugar and molasses, essential ingredients in the distilling industry.

The Currency ActAll taxes must now be paid with gold or silver coin.

Quartering ActMeant that the colonists were responsible for providing barracks

for the soldiers stationed in America.

Indirect TaxA tax that is

hidden in the cost of a good.

Direct TaxA tax that is added to the cost of a good.

Stamp ActMarch 22, 1765

The Stamp Act placed a direct tax on printed items of all kinds: newspapers, college diplomas, licenses, playing cards, legal documents. Proof tax was paid was a stamp placed on the document.

Colonial Reaction to Stamp ActSince this was the first time a direct tax was placed on the colonists, reaction grew rapidly throughout the colonies. Leaders began to emerge such as Patrick Henry from Virginia.

Samuel Adams

In Boston, Samuel Adams forms a political action group

called “The Sons of Liberty”.

Stamp Act CongressIn October, 1765,

delegates from nine colonies meet in New York.

Merchants agree not to import any British goods. Trade comes to a standstill.

William Pitt: “I rejoice that America has resisted”.

Grenville Resigns

The boycott of British goods by Americans caused a downturn in the economy. Parliament blames Grenville. He resigns in July of 1765.

Stamp Act RepealedMarch 4, 1766, Stamp Act is repealed.

Declaratory ActMarch 18, 1766: Parliament has the full authority to make the laws to bind the colonies and the people of America…in all cases whatsoever.”

Charles TownshendIn 1766, Charles Townshend becomes Prime Minister. England still had a huge war debt. He knew colonists would resist direct taxes. He tried indirect taxes. Series of Acts were passed beginning June 29, 1767.

Townshend Acts

• Levied import tax on tea, lead, glass.

• Writs of Assistance: Special search warrants which tax collectors could search ships, businesses, homes.

• Money raised would be used to pay British officials in America.

Colonial Reaction to Townshend Acts

By now colonists were opposed to any taxes levied by Parliament. Boycotts effective during the Stamp Act returned.

Daughters of LibertyWomen organized to support the boycotts. They urged Americans to produce the goods they needed. This would boost the economy.