British Parliament passed what became known as the Intolerable Acts, which closed Boston Harbor and sent soldiers from Britain to occupy Boston. Why do you think these acts were called "intolerable" by the colonists?
The Intolerable Acts were called "intolerable" by the colonists for several reasons:
1. Restriction of Self-Government: The Acts significantly curtailed the self-governance and political rights of the colonists. The Massachusetts Government Act, for instance, abolished the colonial legislature and imposed direct British rule over the colony. This was seen as an infringement on the established rights of the colonists to govern themselves.
2. Economic Implications: The closing of Boston Harbor under the Boston Port Act severely impacted the local economy, as Boston was a major port for trade and commerce. This act prevented goods from entering or leaving the harbor, causing economic hardship for the merchants, workers, and residents, leading to widespread job losses and increased poverty.
3. Quartering of British Troops: The Quartering Act required colonists to provide housing and supplies to British soldiers stationed in the colonies. This was seen as an infringement on the rights and privacy of colonists, who had fought for years to establish their own independent governance and were now being forced to accommodate and support the military presence of a foreign power.
4. Suppression of Dissent: The Acts aimed to suppress any form of dissent against British rule, particularly targeting individuals who were actively involved in opposing British authority. The Administration of Justice Act allowed British officials accused of crimes to be tried in England instead of locally, diminishing the ability of colonists to hold the officials accountable for their actions.
Overall, the "intolerable" nature of these Acts stemmed from the violation of colonial rights, economic hardships imposed on the people, and the increasingly oppressive actions taken by the British government, all of which fueled resentment and resistance among the colonists.