Intellectual Debates

or "Lack of British Logos"

The question:

Why were the colonists so

dissatisfied with British Imperial rule?
Britain’s Rule: ACTS of IMPORT
1764 – Sugar Act
 Americans afraid that act would wipe out trade with
French islands
 Closed a Navigation Act loophole: extends the
jurisdiction of vice-admiralty courts to all customs
offences.
• (Break the law, a judge loyal to Britain decides your
fate)
1765 – Stamp Act
 Most printed material require small, printed markings
 Serves as revenue for British troops in America
 Grenville proposes tax; not only for revenue but also
to lay internal taxes on the colonies
 VIOLATIONS TO BE TRIED IN VICE-ADMIRALTY COURTS
ACTS Cont.
1765 – Quartering Act
passed with Stamp Act
colonial governments must provide
accommodations for British troops stationed
within their borders.
Political Arguments
1763 – British ministry deploys peacetime
army in North America
 What does this tell the colonists?
Use of vice-admiralty courts is opposed
by colonists, and especially merchant-
smugglers who relied on income from trade
with French islands
Benjamin Franklin proposes appointing
colonists to be included in the parliament.
“Give us members in your legislature… Be one
people”
Idea is hailed as too radical
Economic Arguments
1764 – Prime Minister Grenville is successful
in passing the Currency Act. Act bans use
of paper money currently used in colonies
1765 - Grenville is successful in passing the
Stamp Act
 Where will this money go? For what will it be used?
Intellectual Arguments
1764 – Sugar Act raises constitutional
objections
Colonists believe Act is “Contrary to a
fundamental principal of our constitution:
That all taxes ought to originate with the
people”
Taxation at pleasure of others leads to lack of
freedom
Vice-admiralty courts prompt backlash and
cry for constitutionally protected jury trials
Colonists are seen as “second-class
subjects,” whose rights were limited by
For You Consideration:
What did Grenville hope to accomplish by
enacting these Acts and enforcing
parliamentary rule?
Were the colonists considered true British
citizens?
American colonists paid only one-fifth the
amount of annual imperial taxes of British
taxpayers
 Mustyou pay to be a part of the experience?
 What happens now if you don’t pay your taxes?
How was their experience different from
someone living in Britain?