Part 1: Causes

Complete the grid by describing each pre-war event and explaining how it contributed to the Revolutionary War.

Pre-War Event Description Contribution to the Revolutionary War

French and Indian War This is the name American gave this war; this war was between Great Britain and France in North America from 1754 to 1763. This war was also known as the seven year war, in Great Britain it was known as King William's War or Queen Anne's War.
With the end of the French & Indian War in 1763, the British government felt that the American colonies should cover a percentage of the cost associated with their defense. So the Parliament began passing a series of taxes designed to raise funds to offset this expense.

Sugar Act

The Sugar Act was passed in 1764. The British placed a tax on sugar, wine, and other important things. The Parliament wanted the money to help provide more security for the colonies. The Sugar Act made the people in the colonies pretty upset. If they only traded with Britain, they would not be able to sell their goods for as much. Some leaders in the colonies started to boycott, or to quite buying, British goods.

Stamp Act

The bill was passed on February 17, approved by the Lords on March 8th and weeks later ordered in effect by the King. The Stamp Act was Parliament's first serious attempt to assert governmental authority over the colonies. They need to get some of their money back after the French and Indian War. The colonies boycotted the stamp act, so it was overturned when Lord Rockingham, who had replaced Grenville. Committees of Correspondence, Sons of Liberty, and system of boycotts were to be refined and used later in protests against future British. The Stamp Act, along with future taxes such as the Townshend Acts, helped push the colonies along the path towards the war.

Townshend Acts Charles