In the hundred year period leading up to America’s declaration of independence, the colonists were largely independent until about a decade before the revolution. This period of independence was called “salutary neglect” because there were laws in place to regulate trade in the Americas, but they went unenforced. After the French and Indian War ended this period ended and new laws began being enforced. These British Imperial Policies, between 1763 and 1776, including land restrictions, new taxes, and a series of laws intended to restrain colonial protest. amplified the colonist's resistance to British rule and strengthened their thirst for more representative democracy.
To begin with, the colonists were inspired towards creating an American state by an urge to protect their land. …show more content…
These included the infamous Sugar Act, the notorious Stamp Act, and the detestable Townshend Acts. The Sugar Act actually lowered the tax on sugar, but it was finally going to be enforced, which is what set off the colonists. The act led to mass boycotts of British sugar and other luxury products. The Stamp Act was a tax on stamps that had to go on anything to do with paper. This enraged Americans, especially those who used paper daily. People who were most affected by this like lawyers and news publishers helped stir up the outburst against this law. The Townshend Acts were a collection of taxes on items including lead, paint, glass, and most importantly tea. The outrage of the colonies to these acts led to them being repealed 3 years later. The tax on tea remained in place though, which led to the Boston Tea Party. Over a million dollars in current US currency was thrown into the Boston Harbor by the Sons of Liberty. This sent a clear message to the British that the colonists would not stand for any of the taxes passed by Parliament as long as the Americans did not have
To begin with, the colonists were inspired towards creating an American state by an urge to protect their land. …show more content…
These included the infamous Sugar Act, the notorious Stamp Act, and the detestable Townshend Acts. The Sugar Act actually lowered the tax on sugar, but it was finally going to be enforced, which is what set off the colonists. The act led to mass boycotts of British sugar and other luxury products. The Stamp Act was a tax on stamps that had to go on anything to do with paper. This enraged Americans, especially those who used paper daily. People who were most affected by this like lawyers and news publishers helped stir up the outburst against this law. The Townshend Acts were a collection of taxes on items including lead, paint, glass, and most importantly tea. The outrage of the colonies to these acts led to them being repealed 3 years later. The tax on tea remained in place though, which led to the Boston Tea Party. Over a million dollars in current US currency was thrown into the Boston Harbor by the Sons of Liberty. This sent a clear message to the British that the colonists would not stand for any of the taxes passed by Parliament as long as the Americans did not have