Choose 4 different actions by the British government on the colonists and explain why colonists were opposed to them even though they were British subjects.
1) The Sugar Act of 1764: This was a legislation passed by the British government that imposed various taxes on imported sugar, molasses, and other goods. The colonists strongly opposed this act because it increased the cost of essential goods and disrupted their trade routes. Additionally, the act was seen as a violation of their rights as British subjects, as they believed that only their colonial assemblies had the authority to pass such taxes.
2) The Stamp Act of 1765: This act mandated that all paper products, including legal documents, newspapers, and playing cards, be affixed with a tax stamp that had to be purchased from British authorities. The colonists vehemently opposed this act, as it directly affected every aspect of their lives and imposed a heavy financial burden. They saw it as a violation of their right to be taxed only by their own colonial governments, where they had representation and a say in the tax laws.
3) The Townshend Acts of 1767: These acts imposed duties on a wide range of imported goods, including glass, lead, paper, paint, and tea. The colonists were highly opposed to these acts because they believed that they were being taxed without their consent, violating their rights as British subjects. Furthermore, the revenue generated from these acts was used to pay the salaries of colonial governors and judges, which colonists saw as an attempt to control and manipulate them.
4) The Intolerable Acts of 1774: In response to the Boston Tea Party, the British government passed a series of laws known as the Intolerable Acts. These acts closed the port of Boston until the colonists paid for the tea destroyed, suspended colonial self-government in Massachusetts, and allowed British officials accused of crimes in the colonies to be tried in England. The colonists strongly opposed these acts as they felt they were being unfairly punished collectively for the actions of a few. They saw the suspension of self-government as a direct attack on their rights to representative government and fairness under the law, further fueling their opposition to British rule.
Overall, these actions by the British government were met with resistance and opposition from the colonists because they viewed them as infringements on their rights as British subjects. The colonists believed in the principles of self-governance, representation, and consent of the governed, and they felt that these acts violated these core principles. As a result, they united in their opposition and eventually fought for their independence in the American Revolutionary War.