4-+Rev.+War+(9.23.09)

The first battle of the revolutionary war was at Lexington and Concord on April 18, 1775. The war was for the colonists to gain their independence and fight for their rights__. Since the beginning of the seventeenth century the colonists have been belittled and prevented from their rights as Englishmen__. Numerous acts were implemented and there were many disputes. After the French and Indian War England removed their salutary neglect policy and several new laws were enacted to gain money and lessen Britain’s 1,032 pound debt. In 1764 the Sugar Act was approved by Parliament. It was an indirect tax on sugar, and could only be bought from England. The colonists understood and willingly paid the tax. However, the following year, the Stamp Act was passed and the colonists did not react as well. The Stamp Act was the first direct tax made by Parliament. All printed documents, even playing cards, were being taxed. Many other goods were taxed like tea, glass, and manufactured merchandise. All of the 13 colonies protested and the dispute was because they were had “Taxation without representation.” Many groups, such as the Sons of Liberty, were formed in attempts to eliminate the acts. In 1774 the Coercive Acts were passes in response to the Boston Tea party, which took place on December 16, 1773 and was a protest act made by the Sons of Liberty. The Coercive Acts revoked the Massachusetts Charter, closed the Boston harbor, issued a new quartering act, and reinstituted the Writs of Assistances. These laws affected the entire nation in a negative way. The colonists were frustrated by Great Britain and wanted a change. They were unfairly treated and had almost no rights when the War started. The war lasted eight years and changed the United States of America for good.