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.
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1) The Stamp Act of 1765: The British government imposed the Stamp Act, which required the colonists to purchase and use special stamped paper for legal documents, newspapers, and various other items. The colonists strongly opposed this act because it directly affected their wallets. They believed that this act violated their rights as British subjects because they were being taxed without their consent and without representation in the British Parliament. The colonists argued that as Englishmen, they had the right to be taxed only by their own representatives, leading to the famous slogan of "No taxation without representation."
2) The Quartering Act of 1765: Under the Quartering Act, the British government required colonists to house and provide supplies for British soldiers stationed in America. The colonists were strongly opposed to this act because they felt that it violated their rights to private property and privacy. They resented being forced to accommodate and financially support the British troops. The colonists saw this act as an infringement on their personal liberties and as another example of the British government imposing its will on them without their consent.
3) The Intolerable Acts of 1774: The Intolerable Acts were a series of punitive measures imposed by the British government in response to the Boston Tea Party. These acts included the Boston Port Act, which closed the port of Boston until the colonists paid for the destroyed tea, as well as other measures that increased British control over the colonies. The colonists strongly opposed these acts because they believed they were being collectively punished for the actions of a few. They saw these acts as a severe violation of their rights to self-governance, trade, and due process. The Intolerable Acts further fueled the colonists' grievances against the British government and fueled their calls for independence.