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?