Parliament
replied to the "Boston Tea Party" with the five Coercive
Acts of 1774. The colonists dubbed them the "Intolerable Acts."
They were an important factor contributing to the American Revolution.
The
Boston Port Act: The first of these closed
the port of Boston until the East India Company was paid for the
lost tea. This created a great hardship for the people of
Boston whose livlihood depended on trade.
Massachusetts
Government Act:
The second modified the Massachusetts Charter of 1691, taking away
many of its rights of self-government. Massachusetts was very
proud of its independence and was angry at this infringement on
its rights.
Administration
of Justice Act:
The third measure provided that British officials accused of committing
crimes in a colony might be taken to England for trial.
The
Quartering Act:
The fourth measure allowed the governor of Massachusetts to quarter
soldiers at Boston in taverns and unoccupied buildings.
The
Quebec Act:
The fifth act was not intended to punish the colonies. It extended
the boundaries of the province of Quebec.
Part
of These United Colonies: The American
War of Independence
exhibit |
