Overview
This lecture covers the British response to colonial resistance after the Tea Act, focusing on the Coercive (Intolerable) Acts, colonial reaction through the First Continental Congress, and the outbreak of armed conflict at Lexington and Concord.
British Response: The Coercive (Intolerable) Acts
- The Coercive Acts were passed in 1774 to punish Massachusetts for resistance, especially the Boston Tea Party.
- Unlike prior tax laws, these acts were not for revenue but for punishing and controlling the colonies.
- The Boston Port Act closed Boston Harbor until damages from the Tea Party were paid.
- The Justice Act allowed trials of British officials accused of capital offenses to be moved to England.
- The Government Act dissolved the Massachusetts colonial legislature, giving power to the royal governor.
- The Quartering Act required colonists to house British soldiers in their homes.
Colonial Reaction: First Continental Congress
- The harshness of the Coercive Acts united the colonies, prompting all to send representatives to the First Continental Congress in Philadelphia in 1774.
- The Congress petitioned Britain to repeal the acts and agreed on colonial boycotts rather than seeking independence.
- The delegates agreed to reconvene in 1775 if Britain did not back down.
Tensions in Massachusetts
- Boston was under British occupation, leading to daily protests and growing anger.
- The Sons of Liberty and local militias prepared by stockpiling weapons in Concord, Massachusetts.
Lexington and Concord: The Start of Armed Conflict
- British troops were sent to seize colonial weapons in Concord, with Paul Revere, Samuel Prescott, and William Dawes warning colonists.
- On April 19, 1775, British soldiers confronted colonial militia in Lexington; an unknown shot led to gunfire and several colonial deaths.
- At Concord, stronger resistance forced the British into a difficult retreat back to Boston, suffering many casualties.
- These events are known as the Battles of Lexington and Concord, marking the start of open warfare.
Significance of Lexington and Concord
- The battles convinced the colonies to hold the Second Continental Congress.
- These were the first shots of the American War of Independence, famously called "the shot heard around the world."
- Armed conflict began before the formal Declaration of Independence.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Coercive (Intolerable) Acts — British laws meant to punish and control Massachusetts after the Tea Party.
- Boston Port Act — Closed Boston Harbor until restitution was made.
- Justice Act — Moved trials of British officials to England.
- Government Act — Removed colonial self-government in Massachusetts.
- Quartering Act — Forced colonists to house British soldiers.
- First Continental Congress — 1774 meeting of colonial representatives to respond to British actions.
- Battles of Lexington and Concord — First military conflicts of the American Revolution.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Prepare to discuss the actions and significance of the Second Continental Congress in the next lecture.