Essay/Term paper: Colonists' fight for freedom from england

Essay, term paper, research paper:  College Term Papers

Colonists' Fight For Freedom From England


England wanted to control the colonies. Their plan was to gain power over
America so they would be able to tax the colonists. In an attempt to get money,
from the colonies, England passed several acts, the Stamp Act and the Quartering
Act. The Quartering Act stated that the colonists had to provide food and
shelter for the royal troops. The Stamp Act required the colonists to buy a
stamp when they purchased certain items. The Stamp Act angered everyone because
it hit everyone's pocketbook. Colonists acted strongly and quickly, the Stamp
Act was later repealed.

Even though England had failed with the Stamp Act they continued trying
to gain control and tax the colonies. Parliament passed the Townshend Acts in
1767 which taxed paint, glass, lead, paper, and tea. Customs Officials were
granted documents, or writs of assistance, to enforce the act. These documents,
issued by a court, allowed them to go into privet homes and businesses without
reasonable suspicions to look for smuggled goods, at any time!

In response, many groups started their own special boycotts. The
Daughters of Liberty, a group organized by woman, held public spinning bees,
where they made Americana cloth. Paper, paint, and cloth were all made by the
colonists. A sense of unity was created with the help of the boycott.

The colonists' boycott of British goods paid off. In 1770 the British
government repealed the Townshend taxes on paint, paper, glass, and lead. The
only item that still had a Townshend tax was tea. This news calmed most
colonists. However, not everyone was happy, this was far from over.

The colonists stood their ground and fought for what they believed they
deserved. To be free! Free from England's rule, free from their taxes, and free
to start their new world, America.