Final answer:
Colonists took actions like boycotting British goods and forming the First Continental Congress as attempts to assert their rights and improve relations with England, which preceded their eventual moves toward independence.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks what actions the colonists took to improve their relations with England according to the provided document. The actions included protesting and boycotting British goods, which were tactics to express displeasure and attempt to influence change without declaring outright rebellion. These actions manifested through organized events such as the boycott of English goods, riots against the Stamp Masters, and the argument against internal taxation. Over time, the increasing assertiveness of colonial responses to British policies laid the groundwork for the later decision to seek independence.
Beyond petitions and formal complaints, one of the most notable collective actions was the establishment of the First Continental Congress, which directly challenged British authority through measures like the Suffolk Resolves and the Declaration of American Rights. Ultimately, these strategies, while initially aimed at improving relations and asserting rights within the empire, served as precursors to the larger movement for independence as relations with England continued to deteriorate.