The Intolerable Act
In 1774 The intolerable (Coercive) acts (a series of punitive laws passed by the British Parliament) relating to Massachusetts after the Boston tea party was revealed. The act stripped Massachusetts of self-government and historic rights, Triggering outrage and resistance in the Thirteen Colonies. This was a key development leading to, "The American Revolution" that later came in, 1775.
On December 16, 1773 a group of colonists destroyed several tons of the british tea earning the title of, "The Boston Tea Party," and angering the British Parliament. This anger led them to pass the acts on, thus putting the colonists' respect for Britain into disregard. The act practically bound the colonists to the will of the British, it stripped them of their independence and they were forced to house the British solders. To let them sleep in their beds as they, the home owners, slept on the couch or their own floors. There are five known parts of The Intolerable Act, the Boston Port act, the Massachusetts Government act, the Administration Of Justice act, the Quartering act, and the Quebec act.
The Boston Port Act: Passed on March 30, 1774, the Boston Port Act was a direct action against the city for the previous November's tea party. The legislation dictated that the port of Boston was closed to all shipping until full restitution was made to the East India Company and the King for the lost tea and taxes. Loudly protesting, many Bostonians argued that the act punished the entire city rather than the few who were responsible for the tea party. As supplies in the city dwindled, other colonies began sending relief to the blockaded city.
Massachusetts Government Act: Enacted on May 20, 1774, the Massachusetts Government Act was designed to increase royal control over the colony's administration. Abrogating the colony's charter, the act stipulated that its executive council would no longer be democratically elected and its members would instead be appointed by the king. Also, many colonial offices that were previously elected officials would henceforth be appointed by the royal governor. Across the colony, only one town meeting was permitted a year unless approved by the governor.
The Boston Port Act: Passed on March 30, 1774, the Boston Port Act was a direct action against the city for the previous November's tea party. The legislation dictated that the port of Boston was closed to all shipping until full restitution was made to the East India Company and the King for the lost tea and taxes. Loudly protesting, many Bostonians argued that the act punished the entire city rather than the few who were responsible for the tea party. As supplies in the city dwindled, other colonies began sending relief to the blockaded city.
Massachusetts Government Act: Enacted on May 20, 1774, the Massachusetts Government Act was designed to increase royal control over the colony's administration. Abrogating the colony's charter, the act stipulated that its executive council would no longer be democratically elected and its members would instead be appointed by the king. Also, many colonial offices that were previously elected officials would henceforth be appointed by the royal governor. Across the colony, only one town meeting was permitted a year unless approved by the governor.
Administration of Justice Act: Passed the same day as the previous act, the Administration of Justice Act stated that royal officials could request a change of venue to another colony or Great Britain if charged with criminal acts in fulfilling their duties. While the act allowed travel expenses to be paid to witnesses, few colonists could afford to leave work to testify at a trial. Many in the colonies felt it was unnecessary as British soldiers had received a fair trial after the Boston Massacre. Dubbed the "Murder Act" by some, it was felt that it allowed royal officials to act with impunity and then escape justice.
Quartering Act:A revision of the 1765 Quartering Act, which was largely ignored by colonial assemblies, the 1774 Quartering Act expanded the types of buildings in which soldiers could be billeted and removed the requirement that they be provided with provisions. Contrary to popular belief, it did not permit the housing of soldiers in private homes. Typically, soldiers were first to be placed in existing barracks and public houses, but thereafter could be housed in inns, victualing houses, empty building, barns, and other unoccupied structures.
Quebec Act:Though it did not have a direct effect on the thirteen colonies, the Quebec Act was considered part of the Intolerable Acts by the American colonists. Intended to ensure the loyalty of the king's Canadian subjects, the act greatly enlarged Quebec's borders and allowed the free practice of the Catholic faith. Among the land transferred to Quebec was much of the Ohio Country, which had been promised to several colonies through their charters and to which many had already laid claim. In addition to angered land speculators, others were fearful about the spread of Catholicism in American.
Quartering Act:A revision of the 1765 Quartering Act, which was largely ignored by colonial assemblies, the 1774 Quartering Act expanded the types of buildings in which soldiers could be billeted and removed the requirement that they be provided with provisions. Contrary to popular belief, it did not permit the housing of soldiers in private homes. Typically, soldiers were first to be placed in existing barracks and public houses, but thereafter could be housed in inns, victualing houses, empty building, barns, and other unoccupied structures.
Quebec Act:Though it did not have a direct effect on the thirteen colonies, the Quebec Act was considered part of the Intolerable Acts by the American colonists. Intended to ensure the loyalty of the king's Canadian subjects, the act greatly enlarged Quebec's borders and allowed the free practice of the Catholic faith. Among the land transferred to Quebec was much of the Ohio Country, which had been promised to several colonies through their charters and to which many had already laid claim. In addition to angered land speculators, others were fearful about the spread of Catholicism in American.
In my opinion the Intolerable act was like a punishment that the British gave to the colonists for bad behavior. Kind of like how a parent would punish their child for acting out of line. This was their form of timeout, a reaction to the colonist's "Boston tea party." But the penalty was more severe or out of line as some of you would say. In retaliation the this harsh punishment, the colonists were enraged and began to fight against the British unfair leadership.
In this picture, a colonist woman is being forced to drink the British tea.
How many parts to the Intolerable Acts were there?
What caused the Intolerable Acts?
What caused the Intolerable Acts?