Causes of the American Revolution
8.4(A) analyze causes of the American Revolution, including the Proclamation of 1763, the Intolerable Acts, the Stamp Act, mercantilism, lack of representation in Parliament, and British economic policies following the French and Indian War
Dealing with Great Britain
Why did the British government establish new policies?
After their victory in the French and Indian War, the British controlled much of North America. To manage this territory, King George III issued the Proclamation of 1763. This order prohibited, or barred, colonists from living west of the Appalachian Mountains, on Native American land.
The British believed the Proclamation would help keep peace between Native Americans and settlers. It would also keep colonists near the Atlantic Coast, where British authority was stronger. Finally, it would allow Britain to control westward expansion and the fur trade in the region. The king sent 10,000 troops to the colonies to enforce the Proclamation. The colonists feared that the large number of British troops would interfere with their liberties, and they resented the restriction on settling western land.
Britain restricts trade
Great Britain needed new revenue, or income, to pay for the troops. The British also had large debts from the French and Indian War. The king and Parliament felt the colonists should pay part of these costs, so the British government issued new taxes on the colonies. It also enforced old taxes more strictly. To avoid taxes, some colonists resorted to smuggling. This caused British revenues to fall.
In 1763 Britain's prime minister, George Grenville, set out to stop the smuggling. Parliament passed a law to have accused smugglers tried by royally appointed judges rather than local juries. Grenville knew that American juries often found smugglers innocent. Parliament also empowered customs officers to obtain writs of assistance. These documents allowed the officers to search almost anywhere—shops, warehouses, and even private homes—for smuggled goods.
In 1763 Britain's prime minister, George Grenville, set out to stop the smuggling. Parliament passed a law to have accused smugglers tried by royally appointed judges rather than local juries. Grenville knew that American juries often found smugglers innocent. Parliament also empowered customs officers to obtain writs of assistance. These documents allowed the officers to search almost anywhere—shops, warehouses, and even private homes—for smuggled goods.