The Causes of the American War of Independence

The Causes of the American War of Independence

1. Stamp Act

   • First attempt at internal taxation
   • Tax on
     • newspapers
     • bills
     • legal documents
     • Marriage licenses
     • Playing cards
   • Affected all classes
   • The same tax had been levied in England for 70 years
   • Stamp Act Congress
     • No taxation without representation
   • Boycott of English goods

2. TownsHend Duties

   • Townshend wanted to raise revenue
   • Taxes imports
     • Tea
     • Lead
     • China
     • Glass
     • Paint
     • Paper
   • 1767

3. Boston Massacre

   • Paul Revere
     • Propaganda
   • 9pm on a snowy night
     • A soldier slipped and accidentally fired
   • Only 5 people died
   • John Adams represents the soldiers in court
   • 5th March 1770

4. Tea Act

   • Designed to save EIC
   • Angered Americans
     • Boycotted tea
   • Boston Tea Party

5. Coercive Acts

   • Response to Boston Tea Party
   • Boston Harbour closed
   • Compensation demanded
   • Self-government removed
   • First Continental Congress
     • George III refused to listen
     • Americans start stockpiling weapons
     • September 1774
   • 1774