Causes of the War of Independence 2
History: KS3, topic 12.1.4
The Issue of Tax
The British government wanted to raise taxes in the 13 colonies. This was very unpopular.
Reason for the taxes
- Following the Seven Years’ War, Britain was in a lot of debt.
- Politicians in Britain believed that the American colonies should pay money to support the empire.
The Stamp Act
- The Stamp Act was introduced in 1765.
- This was a tax on certain documents, making them more expensive.
- This was unpopular and led to riots.
- The British government cancelled the tax in 1766.
The Townshend Acts
- In 1767, the British government introduced more taxes.
- In 1770, there was a riot against the Townshend Acts.
- British soldiers killed American protesters in Boston.
The Tea Duty
- In 1773, the British government introduced a tax on tea.
- This was very unpopular and triggered uprisings.
- Americans wore costumes to look like Native Americans and poured all imported tea into the sea.
- In response, the government passed the Coercive Acts. No trader was allowed to enter Boston’s port until the city paid for the tea they had destroyed.
Revolution
- The Tea Duty is often viewed as the trigger for the American War of Independence.
Test yourself on Causes of the War of Independence 2
Which war in the Americas increased British debt?