Pre-Revolution Flashcards
Salutary neglect
England got distracted with a series of European wars –> leads to industrialization in America (commodity production)
Mercantilism
focused on building an empire and seizing as much gold as possible (limited supply)
7 Years War
(aka F & I war) War creates problems despite victory:
- Expensive»_space; debt
- Creates tension between England and Am. (Americans fought badly)
George Grenville
Prime minister after 7 yrs war. Realizes tensions and begins to keep a closer eye on Am.
Imperial reorganization
England wants Am to pay for 7 yrs war
- Proclamation of 1763
- Sugar Act
- Stamp Act
Sugar Act
Imposes duties and taxes on commodity imports
- Admiralty courts –> charge smugglers
- “Beef up” Br. navy
- Writs of assistance
Duties
regulate trade
Taxes
raise revenue
Writs of assistance
Search warrants on steroids
Stamp Act
Tax on paper paid in “specie” (in coin) –> repealed later after pop. violence
Crowd Action resistance
Pressures British merchants and targets English officials
Andrew Oliver
Appointed stamp distributor in Boston (angry mob attacks house)
Stamp Act Congress
9 colonies send delegates to NY to layout American justification for resistance
Stamp Act Congress arguments
- No taxation without rep
2. Each colony has right to self gov
Ben Franklin’s Lie
Americans are ok with external taxes but won’t tolerate internal taxes»_space; Townshend Acts