Chapter 6 Study Guide
Why did colonists believe that the Townshend Acts violated their natural rights?
The colonists felt that the Townshend Acts were a serious threat to their rights and freedoms. Many believed, as James Otis had argued (see page 159), that the writs went against their natural rights. These rights had been described by English philosopher John Locke during the Enlightenment. The law of nature, said Locke, teaches that "no one ought to harm another in his life, health, liberty, or possessions."
For what reasons did General Gage move his troops to Boston after the battles at Lexington and Concord?
After the fighting at Lexington and Concord, militiamen from Massachusetts and other colonies began gathering around Boston. Their numbers eventually reached some 20,000. General Gage decided to move his soldiers from the peninsula opposite Boston to the city itself. Boston was nearly surrounded by water. This fact, he thought, made a colonial attack by land almost impossible.
How did Britain's policy towards its American colonies change after the French and Indian War?
Britain's policy towards its American colonies changed after the French and Indian War. Britain wanted to govern its 13 original colonies and the territories gained in the war in a uniform way. So the British Parliament in London imposed new laws and restrictions. Previously, the colonies had been allowed to develop largely on their own. Now they felt that their freedom was being limited. Got rid of salutary neglect.
Why did the colonies oppose the Sugar Act?
Colonies opposed the Sugar Act because Colonial merchants often traded in smuggled goods. The Sugar Act placed a tax on sugar, molasses, and other products shipped to the colonies. It also called for strict enforcement of the act and harsh punishment of smugglers. No taxation without representation.
What should the people do if the government fails to protect their natural rights?
If a government disregards these rights, Jefferson explained, it loses its right to govern. The people then have the right to abolish that government, by force if necessary. They can form a new government that will protect their rights.
Which Enlightenment philosopher served as inspiration for Jefferson's declaration?
John Locke The core idea of the Declaration is based on the philosophy of John Locke. This idea is that people have unalienable rights, or rights that government cannot take away. Jefferson stated this belief in what was to become the Declaration's best-known passage.
Why were the battles of Lexington and Concord considered a major turning point in the relationship between the colonies and the British government?
Lexington and Concord were the first battles of the Revolutionary War. As Ralph Waldo Emerson later wrote, colonial troops had fired the "shot heard 'round the world." Americans would now have to choose sides and back up their political opinions by force of arms. Those who supported the British were called Loyalists. Those who sided with the rebels were Patriots. The conflict between the two sides divided communities, families, and friends. The war was on! One of the first battles - turned into a war
Why did so many Loyalists flee Boston with the British?
More than 1,000 Loyalist supporters left along with the British troops. Anti-British feeling in Boston was so strong that the Loyalists feared for their safety. Some Patriots even called for Loyalists to be hanged as traitors. This did not happen, but Loyalists' homes and property were seized. Loyalists fleed in fear of being execueted
Why did colonists in Boston resent the presence of so many British soldiers?
Since the soldiers were poorly paid, they hired themselves out as workers, usually at rates lower than those of American workers. Resentment against the redcoats grew. Soldiers and street youths often yelled insults at each other. "Lobsters for sale!" the youths would yell, referring to the soldiers' red coats. "Yankees!" the soldiers jeered. Yankee was supposed to be an insult, but the colonists soon took pride in the name. British were taking jobs away from colonists.
Why was the massacre an important event in the cause for independence?
The Sons of Liberty called the shooting the Boston Massacre. They said that Attucks and the four others had given their lives for freedom. The incident became a tool for anti-British propaganda in newspaper, articles, pamphlets, and posters. The people of Boston were outraged. One month later, all the acts except the tax on tea were repealed. The colonial boycott had been effective—British trade had been hurt. But Parliament kept the tea tax to show that it still had the right to tax the colonists. For most Americans, the crisis was over. Turned many people against British.
Who were the Loyalists and the Patriots?
The loyalists were the people who sided with the British. The patriots were the people who sided with the colonial rebel leaders.
How did the colonies come to the aid of Massachusetts?
To enforce the acts, Parliament appointed General Thomas Gage governor of Massachusetts. In 1773, Sam Adams had written, "I wish we could arouse the continent." The Intolerable Acts answered his wish. Other colonies immediately offered Massachusetts their support. They sent food and money to Boston. The committees of correspondence also called for a meeting of colonial delegates to discuss what to do next.
How did the British attempt to enforce Townshend Acts?
To enforce the acts, British officers would use writs of assistance, or search warrants, to enter homes or businesses to search for smuggled goods.
What happened at the battles of Lexington and Concord?
At dawn on April 19, some 700 British troops reached Lexington.They found Captain John Parker and about 70 militiamen waiting. The British commander ordered the Americans to drop their muskets. They refused. No one knows who fired first, but within a few minutes eight militiamen lay dead. The British then marched to Concord, where they destroyed military supplies. A battle broke out at a bridge north of town, forcing the British to retreat. Nearly 4,000 Minutemen and militiamen arrived in the area. They lined the road from Concord to Lexington and peppered the retreating redcoats with musket fire. "It seemed as if men came down from the clouds," one soldier said. Only the arrival of 1,000 more troops saved the British from destruction as they scrambled back to Boston. One of the first battles - turned into a war
Why did the Parliament seek to impose greater taxes on the colonies?
Britain needed money to pay for its war debts. Also they needed money to help pay for the French and Indian war. Britain raised taxes on the colonies because they were greatly in debt from many other wars that were fought before the French and Indian war. Since the colonies at the time were technically part of Britain, Britain believed it was only fair that the colonies should pay more taxes too.
What was the impact of the Boston Massacre?
Cause colonists to revolt The redcoats who had fired the shots were arrested for murder. John Adams, a lawyer and cousin of Samuel Adams, defended them in court. Adams was criticized for taking the case. He replied that the law should be "deaf . . . to the clamors of the populace." He supported the colonial cause but wanted to show that the colonists followed the rule of law. Adams argued that the soldiers had acted in self-defense. The jury agreed. To many colonists, however, the Boston Massacre would stand as a symbol of British tyranny. The colonists were unaware that on the day of the Boston Massacre, Parliament proposed the repeal of the Townshend Acts. One month later, all the acts except the tax on tea were repealed. The colonial boycott had been effective—British trade had been hurt. But Parliament kept the tea tax to show that it still had the right to tax the colonists. For most Americans, the crisis was over.
In what ways did the colonists challenge the Stamp Act?
Colonial assemblies and newspapers took up the cry—"No taxation without representation!" In October 1765, nine colonies sent delegates to the Stamp Act Congress in New York City. This was the first time the colonies met to consider acting together in protest. Delegates drew up a petition to the king protesting the Stamp Act. The petition declared that the right to tax the colonies belonged to the colonial assemblies, not to Parliament. Later, colonial merchants organized a boycott of British goods. A boycott is a refusal to buy. Meanwhile, some colonists formed secret societies to oppose British policies. The most famous of these groups was the Sons of Liberty. Many Sons of Liberty were lawyers, merchants, and craftspeople—the colonists most affected by the Stamp Act. These groups staged protests against the act. Not all of their protests were peaceful. The Sons of Liberty burned the stamped paper whenever they could find it. They also attacked customs officials, whom they covered with hot tar and feathers and paraded in public. Fearing for their safety, many customs officials quit their jobs. The protests in the colonies had an effect in Britain. Merchants thought that their trade with America would be hurt. Some British political leaders, including the popular parliamentary leader William Pitt, agreed with American thinking about taxing the colonies. Pitt spoke out against the Stamp Act.
What was the British response to the colonial claim that Parliament did not have the right to tax them?
Colonial leaders such as James Otis claimed that Parliament had no right to tax the colonies, since the colonists were not represented in Parliament. As Otis exclaimed, "Taxation without representation is tyranny!" British finance minister George Grenville disagreed. The colonists were subjects of Britain, he said, and enjoyed the protection of its laws. For that reason, they were subject to taxation.
Why did the colonists oppose Parliament's attempt to . tax them?
Colonial leaders vigorously protested. For them, the issue was clear. They were being taxed without their consent by a Parliament in which they had no voice. If Britain could pass the Stamp Act, what other taxes might it pass in the future? Samuel Adams, a leader in the Massachusetts legislature, asked, "Why not our lands? Why not the produce of our lands and, in short, everything we possess and make use of?" Patrick Henry, a member of Virginia's House of Burgesses, called for resistance to the tax. When another member shouted that resistance was treason, Henry reportedly replied, "If this be treason, make the most of it!"
Why did the Tea Act upset the colonists?
Colonists who had not been paying any tax on smuggled tea wouldn't have to pay a tax on this regulated tea. They interpreted it as yet another move to establish Parliament's authority.
What impact did Paine's pamphlet have on the colonies?
Common Sense was an instant success. Published in January, it sold more than 100,000 copies in three months. The call for independence had become a roar. Congress debated the resolution, but not all the delegates were ready to vote on it. They did, however, appoint a committee to draft a Declaration of Independence. The committee included Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Roger Sherman, Robert Livingston, and Thomas Jefferson. The group chose Jefferson to compose the Declaration. Two reasons for selecting Jefferson were that he was an excellent writer and that he came from Virginia. The members knew that no independence movement could succeed without Virginia's support. Jefferson immediately went to work. In two weeks, he had prepared most of the Declaration. (See pages 182-185.) On July 2, 1776, Congress considered Lee's resolution again. Despite some strong opposition, the measure passed. From this point forward, the colonies considered themselves independent.
What happened at the First Continental Congress?
Delegates from 12 of the 13 colonies got together to discuss Boston and rebelling. Delegates from 12 of 13 colonies met in Philadelphia and petitioned King George II for " redress of grievances". They endorsed a statement of grievances Approved legislation that prepared for defense against possible attack by British troops in Boston Agreed on a policy on non-important, exportation, and consumption to stop trade with Britain They agreed to meet next spring if things weren't improved. In September 1774, delegates from all the colonies except Georgia met in Philadelphia. At this meeting, called the First Continental Congress, delegates voted to ban all trade with Britain until the Intolerable Acts were repealed. They also called on each colony to begin training troops. Georgia agreed to be a part of the actions of the Congress even though it had voted not to send delegates. The First Continental Congress marked a key step in American history. Although most delegates were not ready to call for independence, they were determined to uphold colonial rights. This meeting planted the seeds of a future independent government. John Adams called it "a nursery of American statesmen." The delegates agreed to meet in seven months, if necessary. By that time, however, fighting with Britain had begun.
What was the purpose and outcome of the colonial attack on Quebec?
During the summer of 1775, Washington arrived at the militia camp near Boston. He immediately began to gather supplies and train the army. In the fall, Washington approved a bold plan. Continental Army troops would invade Quebec, in eastern Canada. They hoped to defeat British forces there and draw Canadians into the Patriot camp. One of the leaders of this expedition was Benedict Arnold. He was an officer who had played a role in the victory at Fort Ticonderoga. After a grueling march across Maine, Arnold arrived at Quebec in November 1775. By that time, however, winter had set in. Under harsh conditions, the Americans launched their attack but failed. After several months, they limped home in defeat.
What was the purpose and outcome of the Olive Branch Petition?
In July 1775, moderates in Congress drafted the Olive Branch Petition and sent it to London. This document asked the king to restore harmony between Britain and the colonies. Some members opposed the petition but signed it anyway as a last hope. The king rejected the petition, however, and announced new measures to punish the colonies. He would use the British navy to block American ships from leaving their ports. He also would send thousands of hired German soldiers, called Hessians, to fight in America. "When once these rebels have felt a smart blow, they will submit," he declared.
What was the purpose and outcome of the colonial siege of Boston?
In Massachusetts, the Continental Army had surrounded British forces in Boston. Neither side was able or willing to break the standoff. However, help for Washington was on the way. Cannons were being hauled from Fort Ticonderoga. This was a rough job, since there were no roads across the snow-covered mountains. It took soldiers two months to drag the 59 heavy weapons to Boston, where they arrived in January 1776. Phillis Wheatley was America's first important African-American poet. She was born in Africa about 1753 and sold into slavery as a child. She was a household servant for the Wheatley family of Boston but was raised and educated as a family member. Some of Wheatley's poems were about the Patriot cause. Of George Washington, she wrote: Proceed, great chief, with virtue on thy side, Thy ev'ry action let the goddess guide. A crown, a mansion, and a throne that shine, With gold unfading, Washington! be thine. In other poems, Wheatley connected America's fight against British oppression with the struggle for freedom for enslaved African Americans. Armed with these cannons, Washington moved his troops to Dorchester Heights, overlooking Boston. The Americans threatened to bombard the city. General Howe, who was now in charge of the British forces, decided to withdraw his troops. On March 17, about 9,000 British soldiers departed Boston in more than 100 ships. Boston Patriots joyfully reclaimed their city. Although the British had damaged homes and destroyed possessions, Boston was still standing. More than 1,000 Loyalist supporters left along with the British troops. Anti-British feeling in Boston was so strong that the Loyalists feared for their safety. Some Patriots even called for Loyalists to be hanged as traitors. This did not happen, but Loyalists' homes and property were seized.
What did many colonists choose to do about the Proclamation of 1763?
Many colonists chose to ignore the law. Colonial leaders such as James Otis claimed that Parliament had no right to tax the colonies, since the colonists were not represented in Parliament. As Otis exclaimed, "Taxation without representation is tyranny!" British finance minister George Grenville disagreed. The colonists were subjects of Britain, he said, and enjoyed the protection of its laws. For that reason, they were subject to taxation.
What was the role of spies in the pre-revolutionary period?
Meanwhile, spies were busy on both sides. Sam Adams had built a spy network to keep watch over British activities. The British had their spies too. They were Americans who were loyal to Britain. From them, General Gage learned that the Massachusetts militia was storing arms and ammunition in Concord, about 20 miles northwest of Boston. He also heard that Sam Adams and John Hancock were in Lexington. On the night of April 18, 1775, Gage ordered his troops to arrest Adams and Hancock in Lexington and to destroy the supplies in Concord.
What did most colonial leaders think about prospect of war with Britain?
Most colonial leaders believed that any fight with Britain would be short. They thought that a show of force would make Britain change its policies. Few expected a war. One who did was Patrick Henry.
What did the Second Continental Congress accomplish?
On May 10, the Second Continental Congress began meeting in Philadelphia. Delegates included John and Samuel Adams, John Hancock, Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, and Patrick Henry. They agreed to form the Continental Army. Washington, who was from Virginia, was chosen as its commanding general. He had served as a colonial officer with the British during the French and Indian War. Congress also authorized the printing of paper money to pay the troops. It was beginning to act as a government.
What effect did the Intolerable Acts have on the colonies?
One of the acts would close the port of Boston until colonists paid for the destroyed tea. Others banned committees of correspondence, allowed Britain to house troops wherever necessary, and let British officials accused of crimes in the colonies stand trial in Britain. Less peaceful protests - colonists must work together
What was the British response to the Boston Tea Party?
Others doubted that destroying property was the best way to settle the tax debate. Some colonial leaders offered to pay for the tea if Parliament would repeal the Tea Act. Britain rejected the offer. It not only wanted repayment, but it also wanted the men who destroyed the tea to be brought to trial. The British reaction to the Boston Tea Party would fan the flames of rebellion in the 13 colonies.
What points does Thomas Paine make in Common Sense?
Paine ridiculed the idea that kings ruled by the will of God. Calling George III "the Royal Brute," Paine argued that all monarchies were corrupt. He also disagreed with the economic arguments for remaining with Britain. "Our corn," he said, "will fetch its price in any market in Europe." He believed that America should follow its own destiny. He wanted to replace monarchy with a republic.
What was the purpose of the Boston Tea Party?
Protest of the Tea Act Protest unfair and unjust taxation To protest the tax Parliament had levied on tea The night of the Boston Tea Party, Hewes and the others destroyed 342 chests of tea. Many colonists rejoiced at the news. They believed that Britain would now see how strongly colonists opposed taxation without representation. Sam Adams and Paul Revere were afraid Americans would pay the tax
Why did the Proclamation of 1763 anger many colonists?
Some colonies had claimed the land in the West and now colonies had to pay for British troops that enforced the proclamation. They felt they had the right to reside wherever they wanted. The proclamation angered colonists because it prohibited colonial settlement west of the Appalachian mountains. The proclamation angered colonists who had hoped to move to the fertile Ohio Valley. Many of these colonists had no land of their own. It also upset colonists who had bought land as an investment. As a result, many ignored the law.
What eventually became of the Stamp Act?
The Britains eventually saw that the stamp act was a mistake and repealed it in 1766. However in place of this tax, the British passed another law, the declatory act. This law stated that Britain had complete control over the colonies. Parliament finally saw that the Stamp Act was a mistake and repealed it in 1766. But at the same time, Parliament passed another law—the Declaratory Act. This law said that Parliament had supreme authority to govern the colonies. The Americans celebrated the repeal of the Stamp Act and tried to ignore the Declaratory Act. A great tug of war between Parliament and the colonies had begun.
Why did Britain's General Gage send troops to Lexington and Concord?
The British had their spies too. They were Americans who were loyal to Britain. From them, General Gage learned that the Massachusetts militia was storing arms and ammunition in Concord, about 20 miles northwest of Boston. He also heard that Sam Adams and John Hancock were in Lexington. On the night of April 18, 1775, Gage ordered his troops to arrest Adams and Hancock in Lexington and to destroy the supplies in Concord.
Why is the Boston tea party considered a major turning point in the relationship between the colonies and the British government?
The British reaction to the Boston Tea Party would fan the flames of rebellion in the 13 colonies. No turning back - tensions were raised. King wanted colonists to finally summit to him. Colonists loose support of king
What was the mission of the midnight riders?
The Midnight Riders had to inform the colonial militia if the British were coming by land or by sea. The midnight riders want people in Lexington and Concord that the British were coming. The Sons of Liberty had prepared for this moment. Paul Revere, a Boston silversmith, and a second messenger, William Dawes, were charged with spreading the news about British troop movements. Revere had arranged a system of signals to alert colonists in Charlestown, on the shore opposite Boston. If one lantern burned in the Old North Church steeple, the British troops were coming by land; if two, they were coming by water. Revere would go across the water from Boston to Charlestown and ride to Lexington and Concord from there. Dawes would take the land route.
How did the Stamp Act differ from previous taxes imposed on the colonies?
The Stamp Act was a new kind of tax for the colonies. The Sugar Act had been a tax on imported goods. It mainly affected merchants. In contrast, the Stamp Act was a tax applied within the colonies. It fell directly on all colonists. Even more, the colonists had to pay for stamps in silver coin—a scarce item in the colonies.
How successful were the colonial protests?
The colonial protests were not successful as prior boycotts because the colonists hoped that the trade boycott would force a repeal of the Intolerable Acts. After all, past boycotts had led to the repeal of the Stamp Act and the Townshend Acts. This time, however, Parliament stood firm.
How did the colonists protest the Intolerable Acts?
The colonists hoped that the trade boycott would force a repeal of the Intolerable Acts. After all, past boycotts had led to the repeal of the Stamp Act and the Townshend Acts. This time, however, Parliament stood firm. It even increased restrictions on colonial trade and sent more troops. By the end of 1774, some colonists were preparing to fight. In Massachusetts, John Hancock headed the Committee of Safety, which had the power to call out the militia. The colonial troops continued to train. Most colonial leaders believed that any fight with Britain would be short. They thought that a show of force would make Britain change its policies. Few expected a war. One who did was Patrick Henry. Henry delivered what became his most famous speech in Virginia House of Burgesses in March 1775.
Why did the writs of assistance anger the colonists?
The colonists were angry about the writs of assistance. Many believed, as James Otis had argued (see page 159), that the writs went against their natural rights. These rights had been described by English philosopher John Locke during the Enlightenment. The law of nature, said Locke, teaches that "no one ought to harm another in his life, health, liberty, or possessions." The colonists felt that the Townshend Acts were a serious threat to their rights and freedoms.
Why did the British repeal the Townshend Acts?
The colonists were unaware that on the day of the Boston Massacre, Parliament proposed the repeal of the Townshend Acts. One month later, all the acts except the tax on tea were repealed. The colonial boycott had been effective—British trade had been hurt. But Parliament kept the tea tax to show that it still had the right to tax the colonists. For most Americans, the crisis was over.
Why did the British think the Townshend Acts would anger the colonists less than the Stamp Act?
The first of the Townshend Acts suspended New York's assembly until New Yorkers agreed to provide housing for the troops. The other acts placed duties, or import taxes, on various goods brought into the colonies, such as glass, paper, paint, lead, and tea. Townshend thought that duties, which were collected before the goods entered the colonies, would anger the colonists less than the direct taxes of the Stamp Act. The money raised would be used to pay the salaries of British governors and other officials in the colonies. The tax would be buried in the cost of the items.
Why did colonial leaders choose Thomas Jefferson to write the Declaration of Independence?
The group chose Jefferson to compose the Declaration. Two reasons for selecting Jefferson were that he was an excellent writer and that he came from Virginia. The members knew that no independence movement could succeed without Virginia's support. Virginia = most wealthy and populated colony.
What is the purpose of government expressed in the Declaration?
The purpose of government is to protect people's natural rights.
Why was the Battle of Bunker Hill considered an important one for the colonists?
The redcoats had won the Battle of Bunker Hill, but at tremendous cost. More than 1,000 were killed or wounded, compared with some 400 militia casualties. "The loss we have sustained is greater than we can bear," wrote General Gage. The inexperienced colonial militia had held its own against the world's most powerful army. Colonists were fearness and demonstrated willingness to die for their freedom.
According to the Declaration, what three natural rights are people born with that cannot be taken away?
The right to life, liberty, and to pursue happiness.
Why did the British keep a small tax on tea?
Then, in 1773, Parliament opened up old wounds when it passed the Tea Act. Tea was very popular in the colonies, but much of it was smuggled in from Holland. The Tea Act gave the British East India Company control over the American tea trade. The tea would arrive in the colonies only in the trading company's ships and be sold there by its merchants. Colonists who had not been paying any tax on smuggled tea would now have to pay a tax on this regulated tea. This enraged colonial shippers and merchants. The colonists wondered what Parliament would do next.
What methods did the colonists use to protest the Townshend Acts?
To protest the Townshend Acts, colonists in Boston announced another boycott of British goods in October 1767. The driving force behind this protest was Samuel Adams, a leader of the Boston Sons of Liberty. Adams urged colonists to continue to resist British controls. The boycott spread throughout the colonies. The Sons of Liberty pressured shopkeepers not to sell imported goods. The Daughters of Liberty called on colonists to weave their own cloth and use American products. As a result, trade with Britain fell sharply. Colonial leaders asked for peaceful protests. Articles in the Boston Gazette asked the people to remain calm—no mobs. . . . Constitutional methods are best." However, tempers were running high. When customs officers in Boston tried to seize the American merchant ship Liberty, which was carrying smuggled wine, a riot broke out. The rioters forced the customs officers to flee. Fearing a loss of control, officials called for more British troops. A defiant Samuel Adams replied, "We will destroy every soldier that dares put his foot on shore. . . . I look upon them as foreign enemies."
Which segment of the population did the Declaration neglect?
When Jefferson spoke of "the people," however, he meant only free white men. Women and enslaved persons were left out of the Declaration.
What was the goal of the Intolerable Acts?
it was one of the series of laws passed that punish the Massachusetts colony and was to serve as a warning to other colonists The goal was to "master" the colonists. King George III declared, "We must master them or totally leave them to themselves and treat them as aliens." Britain chose to "master" the colonies. In 1774, Parliament passed a series of laws to punish the Massachusetts colony and to serve as a warning to other colonies. The British called these laws the Coercive Acts, but they were so harsh that the colonists called them the Intolerable Acts.
What caused the Boston Massacre?
jobs and taunting protests/demonstrations the crowd of colonists yelled insults and threw snowballs at the British soldiers Tensions between the Americans and the British soldiers finally exploded into violence on March 5, 1770.
