American Revolution
A Patriot's Stance.
Tea Act
The Tea Act was passed by parliament on May 10, 1773. It launched the final spark to the revolutionary movement in Boston. Britain forced us to buy tea from the East Indian Company. The East Indian Company was going through bankruptcy because of the reduced sale of their tea. Their highly-priced tea was dangerous because no one wanted to buy it; a lot of boxes of tea were left to rot in warehouses because no one wanted to buy it. Britain decided to help the company. They drastically reduced the price of the East Indian tea to attract buyers, and forced us to buy it. We were not pleased, although it made it cheaper for us, we were no fools. The reduction of the price did not change the fact that the British Empire used this as a ploy to continue their ridiculous taxing.
Sugar and Molasses Act
The Sugar Act, passed on April 5th, 1764, placed a tax on sugar, molasses, certain wines, coffee, pimiento, and cambric. While it set the going tax rate for foreign molasses at six pence per gallon, it also regulated the export of lumber and iron. After hearing of our frustration, Parliament lowered the tax to three pence per gallon, but this made no difference. We were more upset about the reasons we were being taxed rather than the price of the tax itself.
Currency Act
Passed on September 1st, 1764, the Currency Act stated that we were being taxed to pay for the 10,000 British troops to live in the Colonies. While this may have been true, we saw right through that. We were just being taxed to help strengthen the British economy, and let me tell you, us colonists were not happy! The Currency Act was a huge component in the beginning of the Revolution
http://www.revolutionary-war-and-beyond.com/currency-act.html
Quartering Act
Passed on May 15, 1765, the Quartering Act simply stated that we were now required to house soldiers. This was not only a violation of privacy, but also a burden on many poorer families. As in every act that led to the Revolution, we would have been less upset if we had a say in matters. The British were continuing to violate our rights, and from this point on, it wasn't long till we stopped putting up with it.
Stamp Act
During the Stamp Act (passed March 22,1765) we were required to pay a tax on any paper item purchased,actually having to be stamped.Since this was our first direct tax, there was much disapproval among us colonists.This act was placed without approval from the colonial legislature.We were already upset with the british so this event pushed us to anger causing the act to be repealed the next year from our reaction.
Townshend Act
The Townshend Act was enacted in 1767. This act was a substitute for the Stamp A ct for lost revenue. Us colonist were to pay tax on glass, lead, paint, and tea. We were so enraged that our colonial merchants agreed on non-importation between us and England. That lead to british troops arriving in boston to keep an eye so that importing and taxing were done efficiently. It did not end there eventually we won partially, having all taxes repealed except on tea.
http://history.howstuffworks.com/revolutionary-war/townshend-acts.htm
Boston Massacre
The Boston massacre happened March 5, 1770. It was all caused by a Private Hugh White who couldn't keep out of trouble. He got in two fights with a wig-maker and his apprentice who formed mob found him to exact there revenge. Captian Preston had come to save him. He had his troops form a semi-circle around the mob and well we know what happens next.
The Declaration of Independence
After the King did not answer their petition for reconciliation in 1775, The colonist decided it was time to break from the "parent State". They ratified Richard Lee's resolution that," these united colonies are... free and independent states." on May 8 1776 resulting in Thomas Jefferson drafting and Congress revising the "Declaration of Independence" on
July 4, 1776. July fourth is now a national holiday called Independence Day not to be confused with the Will Smith movie Independence Day