The American colonists were opposed to several actions taken by the British government, even though they were British subjects. Here are three important actions and the reasons for the colonists' resistance:
-
The Stamp Act (1765): This law required colonists to pay a tax on every piece of printed paper they used, including newspapers, contracts, and playing cards. The colonists were upset because they felt it was unfair to be taxed without having any representation in the British Parliament (where laws were made). They believed that as British subjects, they should have a say in the laws that affected them. This led to the rallying cry of "No taxation without representation!"
-
The Townshend Acts (1767): These acts placed taxes on imported goods like tea, glass, and paper. To the colonists, this felt like another way for Britain to exert control over their lives and take away their freedoms. They saw it as an attempt to raise money without their consent, which further increased their anger. Many colonists decided to boycott British goods as a form of protest.
-
The Intolerable Acts (1774): After the Boston Tea Party, Britain passed these acts to punish Massachusetts. They closed Boston Harbor and limited town meetings, among other things. The colonists viewed these acts as an attack on their rights and liberties. They believed that these harsh measures were meant to scare them into submission, and they felt it was essential to unite against what they saw as tyranny from the British government.
In summary, the colonists opposed these actions because they believed they violated their rights as British subjects, particularly their right to representation and self-governance. They felt that the British government was overstepping its bounds and treating them unfairly.