Our Colonies must be the biggest Beggars in the World, if such small Duties appear to be intolerable Burdens in their Eyes.”

Question

—“Pacificus,” Maryland Gazette, March 20, 1766



Use the excerpt to answer the question.
This excerpt is from a citizen in England in response to the colonial outrage toward the Stamp Act. What central argument of the American colonists against the Stamp Act is not understood by the writer?

(1 point)
Responses

that it is not the amount of tax that is the problem but rather the fact that the colonists were not involved in passing the tax
that it is not the amount of tax that is the problem but rather the fact that the colonists were not involved in passing the tax

that trade was heavily restricted due to the taxes, which made it difficult for the colonists to make enough money to live let alone pay the taxes
that trade was heavily restricted due to the taxes, which made it difficult for the colonists to make enough money to live let alone pay the taxes

that although the tax is small, it is the idea that the colonists have to repay the British government for a war they did not support that is unjust
that although the tax is small, it is the idea that the colonists have to repay the British government for a war they did not support that is unjust

that the tax may seem small to those in England but for the American colonists it is a very large amount of money

Answer 1

The central argument of the American colonists against the Stamp Act that is not understood by the writer is:

that it is not the amount of tax that is the problem but rather the fact that the colonists were not involved in passing the tax.

This response captures the essence of the colonial grievance concerning "no taxation without representation," emphasizing that the lack of involvement in the legislative process was a significant issue for the colonists.

Answer 2

Why did the British feel justified imposing the Stamp Act on the colonists? Select all that apply.(2 points)
Responses

The taxes protected colonists living in the Ohio River valley from Native Americans.
The taxes protected colonists living in the Ohio River valley from Native Americans.

British citizens living in England faced increased taxes due to wars in the colonies.
British citizens living in England faced increased taxes due to wars in the colonies.

The taxes were being used to raise money for more supplies for the colonists.
The taxes were being used to raise money for more supplies for the colonists.

Britain had spent money protecting colonists from the French.

Answer 3

The British felt justified in imposing the Stamp Act on the colonists for the following reasons:

1. The taxes protected colonists living in the Ohio River valley from Native Americans.

2. Britain had spent money protecting colonists from the French.

These points reflect the British perspective that the taxes were necessary to cover the costs associated with the protection and support they had provided to the colonies, particularly during conflicts such as the French and Indian War.

Answer 4

What was the purpose of the Olive Branch Petition?(1 point)
Responses

to convince France to enter the war
to convince France to enter the war

to declare allegiance to the King of England
to declare allegiance to the King of England

to declare war on England
to declare war on England

to raise a colonial army
to raise a colonial army
Question 8
Why were colonial minutemen so prepared for the arrival of the British in Concord? Select all that apply.(2 points)
Responses

Paul Revere had warned villages that the redcoats were coming.
Paul Revere had warned villages that the redcoats were coming.

When Washington saw the British, he fired three canon shots sending a warning signal.
When Washington saw the British, he fired three canon shots sending a warning signal.

When the British headed out, Americans hung two lamps as a warning signal.
When the British headed out, Americans hung two lamps as a warning signal.

The Green Mountain Boys hid in the bushes and warned the Continental Army.

Answer 5

1. What was the purpose of the Olive Branch Petition?

The purpose of the Olive Branch Petition was to declare allegiance to the King of England. This petition was an attempt by the colonists to reconcile with King George III and avoid further conflict, expressing their loyalty while also requesting that their grievances be addressed.

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2. Why were colonial minutemen so prepared for the arrival of the British in Concord? Select all that apply.

The correct responses include:

• Paul Revere had warned villages that the redcoats were coming.

• When the British headed out, Americans hung two lamps as a warning signal.

These actions helped alert the colonial militias (minutemen) to prepare for the British troops' movements, allowing them to mobilize quickly in response.

Answer 6

How did Washington gain control of Boston?(1 point)
Responses

He gained the trust of Native Americans who led a deadly attack on the British.
He gained the trust of Native Americans who led a deadly attack on the British.

He strategically placed cannons overlooking the harbor which forced out the British.
He strategically placed cannons overlooking the harbor which forced out the British.

He surrounded the harbor, giving them no option other than to surrender.
He surrounded the harbor, giving them no option other than to surrender.

He sent 16,000 troops to launch a surprise attack on the British fort protecting Boston.

Answer 7

Washington gained control of Boston by strategically placing cannons overlooking the harbor which forced out the British. This tactic was effectively implemented after the Continental Army seized the cannons from Fort Ticonderoga and positioned them on Dorchester Heights, which threatened the British fleet and ultimately led to their evacuation from Boston in March 1776.