Question

In chronological order with dates, explain and describe the main acts Parliament passed on the colonists proceeding the French and Indian War

Answer 1

The British government, facing a debt crisis after the French and Indian War, imposed various acts on the American colonists to raise revenue.

Step-by-step explanation:

Following the French and Indian War, the British government faced a significant debt crisis, compelling it to implement measures to generate revenue from its North American colonies. Here are the main Parliamentary acts placed upon the colonists, in chronological order:

1. Proclamation of 1763 (October 7, 1763) - Issued to stabilize relations with Native Americans by restricting westward expansion and regulating trade.
2. Sugar Act (April 5, 1764) - Reduced the duty on imported molasses but strengthened enforcement; also allowed trials of accused smugglers in vice-admiralty courts.
3. Currency Act (September 1, 1764) - Prohibited the colonies from issuing paper money, which was seen as a means for them to relieve their debt by devaluing their currencies.
4. Stamp Act (March 22, 1765) - Required the use of specially stamped paper for legal documents and various items, sparking widespread protest across the colonies.
5. Declaratory Act (March 18, 1766) - Followed the repeal of the Stamp Act, asserting Parliament's authority over the colonies 'in all cases whatsoever'.
6. Townshend Acts (June 29, 1767) - Imposed duties on glass, lead, paints, paper, and tea imported into the colonies.
7. Tea Act (May 10, 1773) - Granted the British East India Company a monopoly on tea sales in the colonies, leading to the Boston Tea Party.
8. Coercive Acts/Intolerable Acts (1774) - A series of punitive laws aimed to punish Massachusetts for the Boston Tea Party, which included closing Boston Harbor until the tea was paid for.