Early British Actions
The new king, George the Third, was crowned in 1760. He was not bright at all, some may say very stupid, and he was very stubborn. But worst of all, he was one of those "Take-Charge" kind of ruler, especially when it came to the colonies.
The Proclamation of 1763 One of the main problems the British Government faced in the colonies was how to keep the Native Americans and colonists from killing each other as settlers moved westward. To solve this problem, George the Third created the Proclamation of 1763. It was a line down the Appalachian Mountains, and to tell settlers to stay east of the line and Indians to stay west of it. Americans suggested tyranny, and argued that the land east of the mountains were already mostly settled. But, the British government ignored them, and to keep peace, they decided to expand the British army in America to 7,500 men.
The Proclamation of 1763 One of the main problems the British Government faced in the colonies was how to keep the Native Americans and colonists from killing each other as settlers moved westward. To solve this problem, George the Third created the Proclamation of 1763. It was a line down the Appalachian Mountains, and to tell settlers to stay east of the line and Indians to stay west of it. Americans suggested tyranny, and argued that the land east of the mountains were already mostly settled. But, the British government ignored them, and to keep peace, they decided to expand the British army in America to 7,500 men.
The Stamp Act Another problem the British government had was how to pay off the large debt left over from the French and Indian War. Prime Minister George Grenville proposed the Stamp Act, which required colonists to buy a stamp for every piece of paper they used. Once again, the colonists sensed tyranny. It wasn't the idea of paying taxes that upset the colonists. They would follow any law that their own assemblies passed, but since the colonists had no representatives in Parliament, they didn't want to follow the law. The Stamp Act was a violation of their rights. "No Taxation Without Representation!" The colonists protested by sending letters to Parliament, while Loyalists just simply refused to buy stamps. But patriots took more violent actions. They attacked tax collectors' homes, even the tax collector themselves. They were called The Sons Of Liberty. After months and months of protests, Parliament canceled the Stamp Act.
For more information on the Stamp Act, click the Link Below!
For more information on the Stamp Act, click the Link Below!
The Quartering Act The Quartering Act, passed in 1765, ordered assemblies to provide British troops with housing. Providing for the soldiers cost money, and the colonists didn't like that. They said it was "as much an Act for laying taxes" than the Stamp Act. They also argued that soldiers just took up space and did nothing. Finally, in 1767, the New York assembly decided not to vote for any funds on salt, vinegar, and liquor. So, the British government refused to let the assembly meet until they obey the Quartering Act.