US History ~ Chapter 6 Topic Discussions Topic of Discussion – British Political Enforcement in the 1770'S

Discussion 6-2 US History ~ Chapter 6 Topic Discussions E Lundberg

Topic of Discussion – British Political Enforcement in the 1770’s

Related Topics Chapter Information ~ Ch 6 - 4 sections; 33 pages Self Determination leading to the American Revolution The Road to Revolution (1763 - 1776) The Growth of Cities in the 1700’s Section 1 ~ Tighter British Control Pages 156-159 Section 2 ~ Colonial Resistance Grows Pages 160-167 The Son’s of Liberty and the Son’s of Neptune Section 3 ~ The Road to Lexington & Concord Pages 168-175 The Economic War of the 1700’s Section 4 ~ Declaring Independence Pages 176-188 The Aggressive Political Actions of the British

Key Ideas Key Connections - 10 Major (Common) Themes 1. How cultures change through the blending of different ethnic groups. It was the Urban areas where social conflict developed 2. Taking the land. 3. The individual versus the state. The sailors and sea merchants played a large impact 4. The quest for equity - slavery and it’s end, women’s suffrage etc. 5. Sectionalism. The combination of population increase and job loses 6. Immigration and Americanization. 7. The change in social class. contributed to the social tensions 8. Technology developments and the environment. 9. Relations with other nations. The British became very assertive following the French 10. Historiography, how we know things. and Indian War.

Talking Points I Introduction 1. As we begin to look at the events that led the colonists to declare their independence from England, we must first examine the setting from which events took place. 2. Prior to 1750, the American Economy had been built into a prosperous economy. The British mercantile economic practice had the colonies well under control. The American colonies saw tremendous growth in terms of population as well as the economy. There was no issues or thought given towards a split between England and their colonial offspring. 3. However, by the 1760’s the American nationalistic perception was well underway in establishing the split with England 4. With the tremendous population growth and economic stability came questions with regards to the financial obligations of the colonies and the desire by England to maintain control 5. It was this ten year time span where the American Nationalistic outlook began to grow

Questions to Think About Supporting Materials Was there an economic war between England and the 1775, A Good Year for Revolution by Kevin Phillips colonies prior to the Revolutionary War? 1776 by David McCollough How much did the “mob mentality” influence Ameri- can history?

What underlying factor united the thirteen colonies? Discussion 6-2 US History ~ Chapter 6 Topic Discussions E Lundberg

Topic of Discussion – British Political Enforcement in the 1770’s

Talking Points 6. The population grew from 250k in the early 1770’s to over 3 million by 1775. Many European countries began to worry about depopulation. The English Proclamation of 1763 was an attempt to control the depopulation. 7. It was also during this time span that the motivation towards self-determination began to be- come apparent II Urban Life 1. The primary colonial cities of Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Charleston played unique pre-Revolutionary roles as the center of communications, opinion molding, ruling elites, political transformation, and incipient nation building. More than other areas, urban economies also reflected the radicalism of angry seamen, the rise of labor, and the increasing polariza- tion within America. 2. By 1765, the French and Indian War had brought tens of thousands of British soldiers, large payrolls, rich contracts, and much new building. Immigration directly from Europe also increased the cities, especially Philadelphia. British trade was booming, especially that with

What underlying factor united the thirteen colonies? Discussion 6-2 US History ~ Chapter 6 Topic Discussions E Lundberg

Topic of Discussion – British Political Enforcement in the 1770’s

Talking Points North America. Between 1700 and 1774, exports from the thirteen to Britain increased while exports from Britain to North America also soared. 3. This economic growth reflected the fullest benefit of Britain’s Atlantic empire and its booming trade and manufacturing. Meanwhile, the emergence of British and American cities as seed- beds of political, economic, and legal reform were also increasing. 4. On both sides of the Atlantic, the main cities rode a cultural and economic wave that concen- trated its rewards to the wealthy, capitalists, merchants, manufacturers and importers. How- ever, tensions rose accordingly. As the overall wealth increased for some, the farmers, labor- ers, seamen, spinners, journeymen, and artisans’ wealth declined, sometimes sharply. This resulted in the more waterfront mobs than had its impact on everyday life. 5. Another point of interest at this time which caused a certain amount of social tension where the Liberty Poles often having been ships’ masts. Boston started this tradition in 1765 with a famous Liberty Pole. It became a favorite meeting place for people to come together and share their concerns. New York, also had a succession of Liberty Poles, generally put up by

What underlying factor united the thirteen colonies? Discussion 6-2 US History ~ Chapter 6 Topic Discussions E Lundberg

Topic of Discussion – British Political Enforcement in the 1770’s

Talking Points Longshoremen and torn down by British soldiers. It was New York’s fourth Liberty Pole (58 feet high), built by the Longshoremen in 1767 and survived until January 13, 1770 until the British soldiers split the pole with explosives and brought it down, and sawed it into pieces. This led to what New York historians recall as “The Battle of Golden Hill.” 6. The creation of seaport mobs also deserves mention. Well-liked privateer captains could call on old crews for their support. Tavern owners were also influential, because their waterfront premises were both maritime information centers and popular venues where illegally ob- tained goods changed hands. Men who owned shipyards or had a number of vessels under their control—Boston’s John Hancock, for example—were also able to turn out crowds and provide suitable refreshment. 7. Other mob breeding grounds included ropewalks—sheds sometimes a quarter-mile long and employing dozens or scores of men. In them, spinners “walked” yarns of hemp from wheels and wove them together in the correct manner to make a heavy rope. A close-knit group, spinners worked six twelve-to-fourteen-hour days a week and were paid better than seamen but less than artisans. With each of the large seaports having at least three or four ropewalks,

What underlying factor united the thirteen colonies? Discussion 6-2 US History ~ Chapter 6 Topic Discussions E Lundberg

Topic of Discussion – British Political Enforcement in the 1770’s

Talking Points they were a prime source of violence. 8. Next to the Sons of Liberty is the Sons of Neptune which was barely known. This was a group of angry longshoremen. In 1765, a letter signed by “The Sons of Neptune” threatened an attack on lower Manhattan’s Fort George if the Stamp Act was enforced locally. 9. The last great pre-Revolutionary confrontation staged by smuggling-prone merchants, caulk- ers, ropewalkers, and their political leaders was, of course, the Boston Tea Party. 10. Royal Governor Hutchinson refused to let the principal tea ship leave without unloading, so on December 16 several hundred Patriots—spurred by a don’t-fail-us letter from Philadelph- ia—implemented carefully laid plans to dump thousands of dollars’ worth of tea into the har- bor. 11. Some British officials went so far as to blame the Revolution on the longshoremen Americans. In 1765, General Thomas Gage cast his blame for the Stamp Act protests: “This Insurrection is composed of great numbers “of Sailors headed by Captains of Privateers.” Other provincial

What underlying factor united the thirteen colonies? Discussion 6-2 US History ~ Chapter 6 Topic Discussions E Lundberg

Topic of Discussion – British Political Enforcement in the 1770’s

Talking Points governors also singled out the roles of longshoremen in various riots.” 12. Although ordinary longshoremen could participate in Boston town meetings, most did not meet even the minimal property requirements for voting in any city elections. For many, par- ticipating in mobs or riots must have been a political sport they could enjoy right in their own city. 13. The seaport of New York City also thrived during the French and Indian War. The economic growth was based on British war expenditures, smuggling, and lucrative privateering. The city’s merchant fleet had tripled between 1749 and 1762. Several thousand privateer crew- men were discharged as the war with France wound down in the early 1760s, and local job- lessness remained high. The mob violence of 1768–1770 came easily. 14. Precision about the numbers of longshoremen in each of these cities is obviously impossible. According to an estimate by maritime historians, “To those discharged by the navy at the end of the war [1762–1763] and others thrown out of war by the death of privateering added per-

What underlying factor united the thirteen colonies? Discussion 6-2 US History ~ Chapter 6 Topic Discussions E Lundberg

Topic of Discussion – British Political Enforcement in the 1770’s

Talking Points haps twenty thousand more longshoremen and fishermen who were thought to be direct vic- tims of post-1763 trade regulations. 15. During the years between 1760 and 1774, a half dozen issues, led by the abuses of British naval impressment, converged to rile American longshoremen. To describe impressment into the Royal Navy as carrying a fate of death or slavery was only a slight exaggeration. Three out of four men who were pressed died within two years, with only one in five killed in battle. Un- der the so-called Sixth of Anne statute enacted in 1708, American seamen were not to be impressed. However, British warships frequently ignored that constraint, especially in and around Boston.” 16. The greatest provocation came in 1747, when British Commodore Charles Knowles sent a press-gang through Boston, taking up longshoremen, including many who had already been paid wages for imminent voyages, as well as artisans and landsmen. As Knowles proceeded, a huge Boston mob, swelling to near 4,000, took as hostage three of the naval officers running the press, asking Governor William Shirley to intervene. Ultimately, Shirley himself decided to

What underlying factor united the thirteen colonies? Discussion 6-2 US History ~ Chapter 6 Topic Discussions E Lundberg

Topic of Discussion – British Political Enforcement in the 1770’s

Talking Points flee. However, he persuaded Commodore Knowles to free most of the men impressed, and the leadership of the militia escorted the governor safely back to Boston. Impressments along the Massachusetts coast surged in 1775, because of local fighting and the needs of so many Royal Navy warships. 17. The final convergence of maritime resentment came in 1775. In late March, Parliament passed the New England Restraining Act. Effective July 1, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Rhode Island could trade only with the British Isles and the British West In- dies. Vessels caught going elsewhere would be seized. Also in July, New England ships were to be barred from the North American fisheries. By July 1, as things turned out, large numbers of Massachusetts fishermen had enlisted in the provincial army. Before year’s end, many others would soon sign up with privateers. 18. Without the Sons of Neptune, the American Revolution would have been quite different—if, in fact, there had been one.” 19. Center stage, however, clearly belonged to Philadelphia. Its artisans and mechanics not only

What underlying factor united the thirteen colonies? Discussion 6-2 US History ~ Chapter 6 Topic Discussions E Lundberg

Topic of Discussion – British Political Enforcement in the 1770’s

Talking Pointsreshaped local politics but helped to remold the 1775–1776 thought to influence the First Continental Congress meeting there. Part of the foundation had been laid by Benjamin Frank- lin, who had nurtured Pennsylvania artisan power and pride constantly from the 1740s for- ward. His role in supporting the cause of manufacturing and, more important, in turning artisans and mechanics into the core of a politically active volunteer provincial militia, had much to do with the Patriot faction’s provincial triumph. 20. Artisan politics went way back in Philadelphia. The city had been prosperous almost from its founding, and even during the 1720s artisans and mechanics were numerous. Franklin in some respects said that instead of favoring the wealthy, Civil Government ought carefully to protect the poor laborious and industrious. 21. However, Franklin’s principal emphasis is on the circumstances that encouraged the rise of a radical militia. “That Pennsylvania did not have an established militia system created the opening for the lower sort. Since there was no militia the laboring poor did not have to strug- gle with those above to have their voice heard. Perhaps more important, since militia rules had to be established anew, the laboring poor were able to place their imprint on the associa-

What underlying factor united the thirteen colonies? Discussion 6-2 US History ~ Chapter 6 Topic Discussions E Lundberg

Topic of Discussion – British Political Enforcement in the 1770’s

Talking Points tion as no other rank and file was able to do during the Revolution… Philadelphia transformed and politicized the militia and made it, among other things, the institutional embodiment of their growing power. 22. The single most important military embodiment was the Committee of Privates, organized in September 1775. Intriguingly, several of its leaders had first come to some prominence six months before, in launching the United Company of Philadelphia for Promoting American Manufactures. This organization, like several others, served “as an entryway into Philadelphia politics for several important ultra radical leaders.” 23. The rise of Philadelphia’s artisans, mechanics, and advocates of new manufactures, influential in itself, was also bound up with the emergence of a radical militia. These developments soon offended middle-class Philadelphia, including prosperous artisans. However, before that the stages of economic and military radicalization contributed to the transformation of Pennsylva- nia politics in May 1776, which made it possible for both the colony and the full Congress to swing behind a declaration of independence. Philadelphia radicalism played an important role

What underlying factor united the thirteen colonies? Discussion 6-2 US History ~ Chapter 6 Topic Discussions E Lundberg

Topic of Discussion – British Political Enforcement in the 1770’s

Talking Points in tipping the balance.” 24. In 1775, the four colonies individually prided themselves on what combined into five centu- ries of military history—local wars against Native Americans. As colonies, they maintained no regular regiments, but among the thirteen they had a long history of militia organization and raising volunteers for expeditions and special units (for example, the “Virginia Regiment” George Washington commanded during the French and Indian War). This background was good preparation for the challenge of 1774–1775, and it was “urban” in the limited sense of being managed in colonial legislatures and capitals: Boston, Hartford, Williamsburg, and Charleston. 25. At the weakest edge of the preparedness debate, Pennsylvania, because of its Quaker herit- age, was the lone North American province in which an assembly had steadily refused to en- act legislation establishing an official militia. This fed widespread disagreement—a climate in which three decades of frustration over the periodic need to embody a volunteer militia in- creasingly united the province’s expansionist and nationalist elements, most of whom took

What underlying factor united the thirteen colonies? Discussion 6-2 US History ~ Chapter 6 Topic Discussions E Lundberg

Topic of Discussion – British Political Enforcement in the 1770’s

Talking Points the Patriot side in 1775. 26. It was the Militia’s importance as a foundation of revolution that helped take control of local government, militia structures, and police power across most of the thirteen-colony land- scape in 1774–1775. These insurgents established the framework that eventually brought suc- cess in the War for Independence. 27. The American rebels of 1775, unlike most other popular revolutionaries before or since, en- joyed the rare benefit of beginning their war in control of the local armed forces and the colonial militias. “The colonial militia did not simply slide into the Revolution, military officers, even where they were elected, held royal commissions, and a significant number of them were not enthusiastic about rebellion. Restructuring the militia was an important step toward revolution, one that deserves more attention than it has received. 28. The First Continental Congress specified that local committees were to be set up to enforce its provisions. “The Association,” was the vital link in transforming the colonial militia into a revo-

What underlying factor united the thirteen colonies? Discussion 6-2 US History ~ Chapter 6 Topic Discussions E Lundberg

Topic of Discussion – British Political Enforcement in the 1770’s

Talking Points lutionary organization…even where the Association encountered heavy opposition, it effec- tively dissolved the old military structure and created a new one based on consent, and whose chief purpose was to engineer consent, by force if necessary. The new Revolutionary militia might look very much like the old colonial militia, but it was, in its origins, less a draft board and a reserve training unit than a police force and an instrument of political surveil- lance.”92 The First Continental Congress made such organizations possible, and these multi- ple pressures forced Americans to commit themselves politically. 29. The militia was often harsh in its methods, supported an American Revolution that would probably not have survived under different circumstances. III Political Actions of the British in an Attempt to Control the American Colonists in the 1700’s Navigation Acts 1651-1696 1. The Navigation Acts were efforts to put the theory of mercantilism into actual practice. Begin- ning in 1650, Parliament acted to combat the threat of the rapidly growing Dutch carrying trade. Later laws were passed in 1651, 1660, 1662, 1663, 1670 and 1673. A companion enforcement law was enacted in 1696.

What underlying factor united the thirteen colonies? Discussion 6-2 US History ~ Chapter 6 Topic Discussions E Lundberg

Topic of Discussion – British Political Enforcement in the 1770’s

Talking Points 2. Under the provisions of this legislation, trade with the colonies was to be conducted only in English or colonial ships. Certain "enumerated" items (such as sugar, tobacco and indigo) were to be shipped only within the empire. Trade destined for nations outside the empire had to go first to England. 3. Some of the legislation was designed to protect colonial interests. For example, tobacco pro- duction in England was prohibited, leaving the colonies as the sole source of that lucrative product 4. The most significant result of the Navigation Acts upon American history was the stifling of colonial manufacturing and increased resentment against the mother country

Woolens Act 1699 and the Hat Act 1732 1. Through the Hat Act of 1732, the Woolens Act of 1699, and the Iron Act of 1750—at first drew little complaint. The tax and trade-boycott controversies of the 1760s and 1770s, however, made curbs on what the colonies could produce a more heated topic. With each boycott, Americans devoted more rhetoric to the need to produce or manufacture locally more of

What underlying factor united the thirteen colonies? Discussion 6-2 US History ~ Chapter 6 Topic Discussions E Lundberg

Topic of Discussion – British Political Enforcement in the 1770’s

Talking Points what was being imported. We can describe the boycotts of 1765–1766 and 1767–1770 as a seventh confrontation. Rising tensions over manufacturing became arena number eight.

Proclamation of 1763 1. The Proclamation line extended from the Atlantic coast at Quebec to the newly established border of West Florida. Establishing and manning posts along the length of this boundary was a very costly undertaking. The British ministry would argue that these outposts were for colonial defense, and as such should be paid for by the colonies. From the American perspective this amounted to a tax on the colonies to pay for a matter of Imperial regulation that was op- posed to the interests of the colonies Quartering Act 1. In March 1765, Parliament passed the Quartering Act to address the practical concerns of such a troop deployment. Under the terms of this legislation, each colonial assembly was di- rected to provide for the basic needs of soldiers stationed within its borders. Specified items included bedding, cooking utensils, firewood, beer or cider and candles. This law was expand-

What underlying factor united the thirteen colonies? Discussion 6-2 US History ~ Chapter 6 Topic Discussions E Lundberg

Topic of Discussion – British Political Enforcement in the 1770’s

Talking Points ed in 1766 and required the assemblies to billet soldiers in taverns and unoccupied houses. 2. British motivations for enforcing the Quartering Act were mixed. Some officials were legiti- mately concerned about protecting the colonies from attack and viewed this law as a logical means to do so. Also part of the calculation, however, was a desire to cut costs. If the colonies were to be protected, why should they not pay for the soldiers? In particular, the British ministry was faced with the prospect of bringing home the French and Indian War veterans and providing them with pay and pensions. If those soldiers could be kept in service in America, the colonies would pay for them and spare a tax-weary English public from additional burdens Sugar Act 1764 1. 1764 Act that put a three-cent tax on foreign refined sugar and increased taxes on coffee, indigo, and certain kinds of wine. It banned importation of rum and French wines. These taxes affected only a certain part of the population, but the affected merchants were very vocal. Besides, the taxes were enacted (or raised) without the consent of the colonists. This was one of the first instances in which colonists wanted a say in how much they were taxed.

What underlying factor united the thirteen colonies? Discussion 6-2 US History ~ Chapter 6 Topic Discussions E Lundberg

Topic of Discussion – British Political Enforcement in the 1770’s

Talking Points Stamp Act 1765 1. First direct British tax on American colonists. Instituted in November, 1765. Every newspaper, pamphlet, and other public and legal document had to have a Stamp, or British seal, on it. The Stamp, of course, cost money. The colonists didn't think they should have to pay for some- thing they had been doing for free for many years, and they responded in force, with demon- strations and even with a diplomatic body called the Stamp Act Congress, which delivered its answer to the Crown. Seeing the hostile reaction in the colonies, the British government repealed the Stamp Act in March 1766 but at the same time passed the Declaratory Act, which said that Great Britain was superior (and boss of) the American colonies "in all cases whatso- ever." The Stamp Act gave the colonists a target for their rage. Indeed, the Sons of Liberty was formed in response to this Act. The Stamp Act Congress also gave the colonists a model for the Continental Congress. Townshend Acts 1767 1. Series of 1767 laws named for Charles Townshend, British Chancellor of the Exchequer (Treasurer). These laws placed new taxes on glass, lead, paints, paper, and tea. Colonial reac-

What underlying factor united the thirteen colonies? Discussion 6-2 US History ~ Chapter 6 Topic Discussions E Lundberg

Topic of Discussion – British Political Enforcement in the 1770’s

Talking Points tion to these taxes was the same as to the Sugar Act and Stamp Act, and Britain eventually repealed all the taxes except the one on tea. In response to the sometimes violent protests by the American colonists, Great Britain sent more troops to the colonies. Tea Act 1773 1. 1773 Act that gave a monopoly on tea sales to the East India Company. In other words, Ameri- can colonists could buy no tea unless it came from that company. Why? Well, the East Indian Company wasn't doing so well, and the British wanted to give it some more business. The Tea Act lowered the price on this East India tea so much that it was way below tea from other suppliers. But the American colonists saw this law as yet another means of "taxation without representation" because it meant that they couldn't buy tea from anyone else (including other colonial merchants) without spending a lot more money. Their response was to refuse to unload the tea from the ships. This was the situation in Boston that led to the Boston Tea Par- ty. Intolerable Acts 1774

What underlying factor united the thirteen colonies? Discussion 6-2 US History ~ Chapter 6 Topic Discussions E Lundberg

Topic of Discussion – British Political Enforcement in the 1770’s

Talking Points 1. Series of laws sponsored by British Prime Minister Lord North and enacted in 1774 in response to the Boston Tea Party. The laws were these: 2. Impartial Administration of Justice Act, which allowed the royal governor of a colony to move trials to other colonies or even to England if he feared that juries in those colonies wouldn't judge a case fairly 3. Massachusetts Bay Regulating Act made all law officers subject to appointment by the royal governor and banned all town meetings that didn't have approval of the royal governor 4. Boston Port Act, which closed the port of Boston until the price of the dumped tea was re- covered, moved the capital of Massachusetts to Salem, and made Marblehead the official port of entry for the Massachusetts colony. 5. Quebec Act, which granted civil government and religious freedom to Catholics living in Quebec. Summary 1. Britain wanted colonies for the sake of its industries expansion process and to be able to ex-

What underlying factor united the thirteen colonies? Discussion 6-2 US History ~ Chapter 6 Topic Discussions E Lundberg

Topic of Discussion – British Political Enforcement in the 1770’s

Talking Points ploit the resources that it lacked back home. It was also interested in building new homes that would support its feudal system and government. The colonies also acted as a source of revenue to Britain through taxation and this helped it finance its operations back home. 2. As a result, the British decided to keep a standing army in America. This decision would lead to a variety of problems with the colonists. In addition, an Indian uprising on the Ohio frontier --Pontiac's Rebellion--led to the Proclamation of 1763, which forbade colonial settlement west of the Allegany Mountains. This, too, would lead to conflicts with land-hungry settlers and land speculators like George Washington (see map above). 3. British leaders also felt the need to tighten control over their empire. To be sure, laws regulating imperial trade and navigation had been on the books for generations, but American colonists were notorious for evading these regulations. They were even known to have traded with the French during the recently ended war. From the British point of view, it was only right that American colonists should pay their fair share of the costs for their own defense. If additional revenue could also be realized through stricter control of navigation and trade, so much the better. Thus the British began their attempts to reform the imperial system.

What underlying factor united the thirteen colonies? Discussion 6-2 US History ~ Chapter 6 Topic Discussions E Lundberg

Topic of Discussion – British Political Enforcement in the 1770’s

Talking Points

What underlying factor united the thirteen colonies?