Lesson 2: Growing Resentment Against Britain

Key Idea

After the French and Indian War, Britain needed to manage its vast new territory. To prevent conflict with Native Americans, the British government issued the Proclamation of 1763. This order forbade colonists from settling west of the Appalachian Mountains, which angered many who hoped to claim new land.

Britain also needed to pay off its large war debt. Parliament passed the Sugar Act to raise money and stop colonial smuggling. This law allowed officers to seize goods from accused smugglers without a trial. Special search warrants called writs of assistance let officials search homes and businesses for illegal goods.

Key Idea

In 1765, Great Britain passed the Stamp Act, a tax on all paper items like newspapers and legal documents. Colonists were outraged. They argued that Parliament could not tax them because they had no elected representatives. This idea became a famous rallying cry: "no taxation without representation."

In response, colonists organized a widespread boycott of British goods. Leaders from different colonies also met at the Stamp Act Congress to protest as a united group. The pressure was successful, and Parliament repealed the Stamp Act. However, the conflict was far from over, as Britain soon passed new taxes to assert its authority.

Key Idea

Tensions in Boston exploded during the Boston Massacre, an event where British soldiers fired on a crowd and killed five colonists. This violent clash provided colonial leaders with a powerful story to rally support against British authority.

Leaders like Samuel Adams used propaganda — one-sided information — to stir anger against the British. An engraving by Paul Revere depicted the event as a brutal slaughter of innocent people. This image, shared through the Committees of Correspondence, helped turn public opinion against Britain and brought the colonies closer together.