How did the British justify passing new taxes on the colonists? (Select two) (2 points)
Britain had spent money protecting colonists from the French during the French and Indian War.
The taxes were being used to pay back the colonists for their lost wages during the French and Indian War.
British citizens living in England also faced increased taxes because of the French and Indian War.
The colonists should pay to replace ships damaged by smugglers.
The correct answers are:
1) Britain had spent money protecting colonists from the French during the French and Indian War.
2) The taxes were being used to pay back the colonists for their lost wages during the French and Indian War.
Justification for passing new taxes on the colonists was primarily based on the argument that Britain had incurred significant debts during the French and Indian War, which had been fought to protect the American colonies. Therefore, the British government believed that the colonists should help bear the financial burden by paying taxes. Additionally, they argued that the taxes were being used to reimburse the colonists for their lost wages during the war.
The two justifications used by the British to pass new taxes on the colonists were:
1. Britain had spent money protecting colonists from the French during the French and Indian War.
2. The taxes were being used to pay back the colonists for their lost wages during the French and Indian War.
To determine how the British justified passing new taxes on the colonists, let's analyze the answer options given and apply reasoning.
1. Britain had spent money protecting colonists from the French during the French and Indian War.
- This is a valid justification. During the French and Indian War (1754-1763), Britain incurred significant expenses defending its North American colonies against the French and their Native American allies. As a result, one argument made by the British was that the colonists should contribute to the cost of their protection.
2. The taxes were being used to pay back the colonists for their lost wages during the French and Indian War.
- This option is incorrect. There is no historical basis for the claim that the taxes were intended to compensate the colonists for their lost wages during the war. The British imposed taxes primarily to raise revenue and alleviate the financial burden they had incurred during the conflict.
3. British citizens living in England also faced increased taxes because of the French and Indian War.
- While this may be true, it does not directly justify passing new taxes on the colonists. The question specifically asks for justifications relating to the colonists. Therefore, we can exclude this option.
4. The colonists should pay to replace ships damaged by smugglers.
- This option, although related to taxation, does not pertain to the justification for passing new taxes on the colonists. Ship damage caused by smugglers would not have been a primary reason for imposing new taxes.
Based on the analysis, the two justifications for passing new taxes on the colonists are:
1. Britain had spent money protecting colonists from the French during the French and Indian War.
2. The colonists should pay to replace ships damaged by smugglers.
It is important to note that the justification for taxation was a point of contention between the British government and the American colonists, ultimately contributing to the growing grievances and the American Revolution.