3 different actions by the British government on the colonists
1. Imposition of Taxes: One significant action taken by the British government on the colonists was the imposition of various taxes. This included the Sugar Act of 1764, which increased taxes on molasses and other imported goods, the Stamp Act of 1765, which imposed a tax on all paper goods, and the Townshend Acts of 1767, which placed taxes on goods such as glass, lead, paint, paper, and tea. These taxes were seen as burdensome by the colonists and led to widespread protests and resistance.
2. Enforcement of Colonial Trade Regulations: The British government also took action to enforce trade regulations on the American colonies. The Navigation Acts, dating back to the 1650s, were laws governing colonial trade that required colonists to trade primarily with Britain and use British ships for transport. The government appointed customs officials to ensure compliance with these regulations. The enforcement of trade restrictions limited the colonists' economic opportunities and fostered resentment towards British control.
3. Implementation of the Intolerable Acts: In response to the Boston Tea Party in 1773, where colonists dumped British tea into the harbor to protest the Tea Act, the British government passed a series of punitive measures known as the Intolerable Acts (also called the Coercive Acts). These acts, which included the Boston Port Act, Massachusetts Government Act, and Administration of Justice Act, were intended to punish Massachusetts and tighten British control over the colonies. They closed the port of Boston until the destroyed tea was paid for, increased the power of the royal governor, and allowed British officials to be tried in England rather than in the colonies. The Intolerable Acts further fueled resentment and unified the colonies against British rule.