Question

Discuss the various methods that were used by colonists against british legislation and evaluate the effectiveness of each method. (this will be an ongoing question covering several nights of reading).

Answer 1

The colonists found numerous ways to protest the British between 1763-1775. They often disobeyed the laws. The proclamation of 1763 made it illegal for colonists to move west of the Appalachian Mountains. Many moved there despite the laws. They also refused to follow the Intolerable Acts in 1774. Colonists often stated that the British violated their rights. They felt the British taxes were illegal because they had no representatives in Parliament who could vote on things like the Townshend Act and the Stamp Act. This was how the phrase No taxation without representation began. They boycotted British products until finally the British removed the taxes. This went on to get bigger and bigger leading up to the Boston Tea Party. Continental Congress finally gave the colonists a group that acted similar to a form of government but the colonists went on to form militias and things began to deteriorate. In 1775 the battles began in Lexington and Concord. In 1776 after much fighting, America declared independence with the Declaration of Independence.