Question 2: Choose 3 different actions by the British government on the colonists and explain why colonists were opposed to them even though they were British subjects.
1. Imposition of Taxes: One significant action by the British government that the colonists strongly opposed was the imposition of various taxes, such as the Sugar Act, Stamp Act, and Townshend Acts. These taxes were implemented by the British government as a means to raise revenue and pay for the costs of administering and defending the American colonies. However, the colonists felt that these taxes were unfair and violated their rights as British subjects for several reasons.
Firstly, the colonists believed in the concept of "no taxation without representation," meaning that they believed they should only be taxed if they had a voice and representation in the British Parliament. However, as the colonists had no representation in Parliament, they felt that these taxes were being imposed arbitrarily and without their consent.
Secondly, the colonists were already burdened by economic hardships, and the new taxes only exacerbated their financial struggles. These taxes not only affected merchants and wealthy individuals but also everyday colonists who relied on imported goods and materials for their livelihoods. The increased costs made it difficult for the colonists to afford essential items, leading to widespread resentment and opposition.
Lastly, the colonists saw the taxes as a violation of their basic rights as British subjects. As British subjects, they believed they were entitled to the same rights and privileges as those living in Britain. The imposition of taxes without proper representation was seen as a breach of their rights and a departure from the principles of British law and governance.
2. Restrictive Trade Policies: The British government implemented various trade restrictions and regulations on the American colonies, such as the Navigation Acts. These laws aimed to control colonial trade to benefit British merchants and industries by ensuring that colonists exclusively traded with Britain and used British ships for transportation. However, the colonists opposed these policies due to several reasons.
Firstly, the colonists believed in the principles of free trade and economic liberty. They saw these trade policies as an infringement on their economic autonomy and ability to engage in international trade with other nations. The restrictions limited their opportunities for economic growth and development, as they were forced to rely heavily on the British market and pay higher prices for British goods.
Furthermore, the colonists viewed these trade policies as an attempt by the British government to exploit and control their economy for the benefit of Britain. They felt that the British government prioritized its own interests and profits over those of the colonists. This perception of economic exploitation further fueled their opposition to the restrictive trade policies.
3. Military Occupation and Coercion: The presence of British troops in the American colonies, particularly after the French and Indian War, also generated significant opposition from the colonists. The British government stationed soldiers in the colonies to maintain control, enforce authority, and protect British interests. However, the colonists resented the military occupation and perceived it as a form of oppression.
The colonists strongly believed in the right to local self-government and the ability to manage their own affairs. The presence of British troops curtailed their sense of autonomy and stifled their ability to govern themselves. The soldiers were often quartered in colonists' homes, which further eroded privacy and individual freedoms.
Moreover, instances of abuse and violence by British troops fueled colonists' resentment and opposition. The Boston Massacre in 1770, where British soldiers fired upon a crowd of colonists, resulted in several deaths and intensifying anti-British sentiment. The heavy-handed tactics employed by the British military further solidified the colonists' view that they were being oppressed and denied basic rights, despite their status as British subjects.
Overall, these three actions by the British government – imposition of taxes, restrictive trade policies, and military occupation – were opposed by the colonists because they perceived them as infringements on their rights as British subjects, violations of their economic freedoms and autonomy, and oppressive measures that denied them self-governance and protection from abuse. These actions contributed significantly to the growing tension and eventual rebellion against British rule.