Revolutionary Stirrings, 1763-1775: Stamp Act, Continental Congress, Tea Act, American Revolution

Jeffrey the Librarian
Jeffrey the Librarian
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Published 2023-03-20
What were the causes of the American Revolution?

The period from 1763-1775 is the period in the American colonies between the French and Indian War and the American Revolutionary War. This period is an era of incredible social, political, and economic change in the colonies that ultimately led to the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

King George III is the monarch. Some prime ministers during this time include George Grenville, William Pitt, Lord North, and Lord Rockingham.

In 1763, the French and Indian War is over. However, Pontiac's Rebellion pits Native Americans against British North America. However, redcoats put down the rebellion.

The Paxton Boys in Pennsylvania cause trouble, attacking natives in Conestoga, Pennsylvania.

Britain is victorious in America, but she is in great debt. British Parliament motions to raise duties on the colonies. A Sugar Act taxes molasses imports. A Quartering Act requires the colonies to provide supply and shelter for soldiers on the frontier.

The colonial assemblies oppose quartering. Riots occur in New York City.

What was the Stamp Act?
A Stamp Act is imposed, which taxes paper products. Lawyers, politicians, newspaper printers, and other paper professions oppose the tax. A Stamp Act Congress meets in New York to oppose the tax.

In the Summer of 1765, the Sons of Liberty attack taxmen. Parliament will repeal the Stamp Act.

What were the Townshend Acts?
The Townshend Acts tax imports like paint and tea. The Townshend duties will cause boycotts of British imports. The boycotts mean that Britain is losing more revenue through lost trade than the revenues would raise.

In 1770, a fight at the Boston docks escalates. The Boston Massacre resulted in the deaths of five people. John Adams came to the legal defense of the redcoats.

In North Carolina and South Carolina, Scotch-Irish Baptists and Presbyterians in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains demand local courthouses. Militia called the Regulators organize. The Battle of Alamance occurs between the Regulators and North Carolina militia.

George Washington is envisioning the Ohio country a possession for Virginia. But Pennsylvania also has interest in the Fort Pitt area.

The Boston Tea Party occurs in 1773. The British East India Company has an overabundance of tea. Parliament passes a Tea Act to remove some of the import duties for this tea in America. However, Americans protest the company's monopoly. In Boston, the Sons of Liberty dump the modern equivalent of millions of dollars worth of tea into Boston Harbor.

In response to the Boston Tea Party, Thomas Gage's redcoats occupy Boston. The harbor is shut down.

However, the colonies respond by forming a Continental Congress in Philadelphia. The Continental Congress implements a policy of nonimportation, which will be enforced by Committees of Safety. No British goods are to be accepted in American ports.

Some of the men at the Continental Congress include John Adams, Sam Adams, Richard Henry Lee, Benjamin Franklin, and others.

In December 1774, nonimportation goes into effect. Transatlantic trade shuts down.

Lord Dunmore of Virginia fights a battle against the Shawnee at Point Pleasant on the Ohio River.

In Boston, Thomas Gage moves against Concord, Massachusetts. However, Paul Revere rides in front, warning against the incoming redcoats.

Music credit:
Atlantis by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

This film was made by Jeffrey Meyer, historian and librarian
All Comments (21)
  • @markaxworthy2508
    This series may be dry, but it is packed with informational gold. More please.
  • @mostlychimp5715
    Good video. The Seven Years War (French & Indian) has got to be the least appreciated war relative to its impact on the modern day.
  • @Senor0Droolcup
    If Jeffrey the librarian is posting a new historical video, that is a very good day
  • @theskycavedin9592
    It's pretty clear that by the 1760s/1770s the American colonists had developed their own distinct identity, culture, and systems of governance. No wonder the change in attitude amongst the populace happened so quickly.
  • @teacopem
    Wtf bro you can't stop right there the video was just getting good! I demand for the continuation of this video right now!
  • @lpgalmeida
    Amazing videos. Disappointed that there isn't a sequel to this one.
  • @Squatch_Rider66
    Great presentation. The more of your videos I watch the more I learn how little of American history I know
  • @myradioon
    One of the earliest acts of outright rebellion was in Exeter, NH when local mill owners beat and ran off the local "Crown Surveyor" of trees who was there to fine them for milling trees with the "Crown's Mark' on them. Trees were often claimed by the Crown no matter who's property they were on. The 'Commonwealth States' like Massachusetts were not only mad about 'Taxes' but also their autonomy under their signed charters. Many lumbermen who rebelled in NH were later part of the 'Sons of Liberty". Timber for masts was one of England's main reasons for starting the Colonies and granting Charters there. Governor Craddock of Massachusetts was given a Charter there to build ships and fell timber for ship "Spars" for the Royal Navy. "White Pine" is an excellent book on the topic.
  • @RickJones222
    I finally understand the events leading up to the American revolution. Thanks, Jeffrey!
  • @hugechimp
    aWesome. Crispus Attucks. The shot heard 'round the world. This my FAVE period of American History.. TY!
  • @garrybrown3165
    My wife and I are retired and our residence is Washington state, our birth state. Several years ago she visited friends in Williamsburg. When she returned she told me she wanted to buy a house in Williamsburg. Fortunately, I did NOT say out loud the thought that crossed my mind, "Are you ... CRAZY???" Who knew that after 45 years of marriage I would learn of her interest in US History? 3/21/2023 11:13 Eastern GJB (listening in Williamsburg)
  • @jasaranewman978
    Enjoyed this video and all the others I watched. Thanks for the slow and deliberate explanations. You really do great work!