Peter D.G. Thomas
- Published in print:
- 1991
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198201427
- eISBN:
- 9780191674877
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198201427.003.0008
- Subject:
- History, American History: early to 18th Century
The government of British Prime Minister Lord North would take no further policy decisions on America until information arrived concerning both the reception in Massachusetts of the Intolerable Acts, ...
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The government of British Prime Minister Lord North would take no further policy decisions on America until information arrived concerning both the reception in Massachusetts of the Intolerable Acts, and the proceedings of the Continental Congress. In any case, no legislation could be enacted until Parliament met. A general election was due, under the Septennial Act, by March 1775, and the ministry thought it desirable to avoid such a diversion of political attention away from colonial matters at a time of possible crisis. Lord North, indeed, informed Thomas Hutchinson on November 19, 1774 that the administration had taken a longer-term view of the American situation. Determination to subdue Massachusetts did not signify a general intransigence on colonial policy. Hutchinson, a man much in government circles from his knowledge of America, formed quite the opposite impression.Less
The government of British Prime Minister Lord North would take no further policy decisions on America until information arrived concerning both the reception in Massachusetts of the Intolerable Acts, and the proceedings of the Continental Congress. In any case, no legislation could be enacted until Parliament met. A general election was due, under the Septennial Act, by March 1775, and the ministry thought it desirable to avoid such a diversion of political attention away from colonial matters at a time of possible crisis. Lord North, indeed, informed Thomas Hutchinson on November 19, 1774 that the administration had taken a longer-term view of the American situation. Determination to subdue Massachusetts did not signify a general intransigence on colonial policy. Hutchinson, a man much in government circles from his knowledge of America, formed quite the opposite impression.
Richard Archer
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- March 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780199895779
- eISBN:
- 9780190254551
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:osobl/9780199895779.003.0001
- Subject:
- History, American History: Civil War
This chapter examines the Sugar Act, a revenue-raising piece of legislation proposed by Prime Minister George Grenville and passed by the Parliament of Great Britain on April 5, 1764, and its impact ...
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This chapter examines the Sugar Act, a revenue-raising piece of legislation proposed by Prime Minister George Grenville and passed by the Parliament of Great Britain on April 5, 1764, and its impact on Boston. The Sugar Act was a tax bill, not a trade bill, and was meant not only to raise revenue but also to institute sovereignty over Britain's colonies. At its core dwelled a revolutionary change in the relations of the mother country and its colonies. The chapter also considers the Molasses Act of 1733, which had placed a tariff of six cents per gallon on foreign molasses and turned out to be both unnecessary and ill conceived. Finally, it discusses Boston's economy and how it was affected by the twin calamities of fire and disease, along with Lieutenant Governor Thomas Hutchinson's attempt to seek emendation of the Sugar Act and prevent a stamp tax.Less
This chapter examines the Sugar Act, a revenue-raising piece of legislation proposed by Prime Minister George Grenville and passed by the Parliament of Great Britain on April 5, 1764, and its impact on Boston. The Sugar Act was a tax bill, not a trade bill, and was meant not only to raise revenue but also to institute sovereignty over Britain's colonies. At its core dwelled a revolutionary change in the relations of the mother country and its colonies. The chapter also considers the Molasses Act of 1733, which had placed a tariff of six cents per gallon on foreign molasses and turned out to be both unnecessary and ill conceived. Finally, it discusses Boston's economy and how it was affected by the twin calamities of fire and disease, along with Lieutenant Governor Thomas Hutchinson's attempt to seek emendation of the Sugar Act and prevent a stamp tax.
Richard Archer
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- March 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780199895779
- eISBN:
- 9780190254551
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:osobl/9780199895779.001.0001
- Subject:
- History, American History: Civil War
In the dramatic period leading to the American Revolution, no event did more to foment patriotic sentiment among colonists than the armed occupation of Boston by British soldiers. This book presents ...
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In the dramatic period leading to the American Revolution, no event did more to foment patriotic sentiment among colonists than the armed occupation of Boston by British soldiers. This book presents a narrative of those critical months between October 1, 1768 and the winter of 1770 when Boston was an occupied town. The book moves between the governor's mansion and cobble-stoned back-alleys as it traces the origins of the colonists' conflict with Britain. The book reveals the maneuvering of colonial political leaders such as Governor Francis Bernard, Lieutenant Governor Thomas Hutchinson, and James Otis Jr. as they responded to London's new policies, and it evokes the outrage many Bostonians felt toward Parliament and its local representatives. The text also captures the popular mobilization under the leadership of John Hancock and Samuel Adams that met the oppressive imperial measures—most notably the Sugar Act and the Stamp Act—with demonstrations, Liberty Trees, violence, and non-importation agreements. When the British government responded with the decision to garrison Boston with troops, it was a deeply felt affront to the local population. Almost immediately, tempers flared and violent conflicts broke out. The book's narrative culminates in the swirling tragedy of the Boston Massacre and its aftermath, including the trial of the British troops involved—and sets the stage for what was to follow.Less
In the dramatic period leading to the American Revolution, no event did more to foment patriotic sentiment among colonists than the armed occupation of Boston by British soldiers. This book presents a narrative of those critical months between October 1, 1768 and the winter of 1770 when Boston was an occupied town. The book moves between the governor's mansion and cobble-stoned back-alleys as it traces the origins of the colonists' conflict with Britain. The book reveals the maneuvering of colonial political leaders such as Governor Francis Bernard, Lieutenant Governor Thomas Hutchinson, and James Otis Jr. as they responded to London's new policies, and it evokes the outrage many Bostonians felt toward Parliament and its local representatives. The text also captures the popular mobilization under the leadership of John Hancock and Samuel Adams that met the oppressive imperial measures—most notably the Sugar Act and the Stamp Act—with demonstrations, Liberty Trees, violence, and non-importation agreements. When the British government responded with the decision to garrison Boston with troops, it was a deeply felt affront to the local population. Almost immediately, tempers flared and violent conflicts broke out. The book's narrative culminates in the swirling tragedy of the Boston Massacre and its aftermath, including the trial of the British troops involved—and sets the stage for what was to follow.
Peter Charles Hoffer and Williamjames Hull Hoffer
- Published in print:
- 2018
- Published Online:
- May 2019
- ISBN:
- 9781501726071
- eISBN:
- 9781501726088
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Cornell University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7591/cornell/9781501726071.003.0002
- Subject:
- History, American History: early to 18th Century
George Grenville’s program of “reform” was first and foremost a legal one—a thorough review of colonial law, the enforcement of old laws and the passage of new laws adapted from older models. It was ...
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George Grenville’s program of “reform” was first and foremost a legal one—a thorough review of colonial law, the enforcement of old laws and the passage of new laws adapted from older models. It was thus natural and proper for revolutionary lawyers in the making to take the lead in protesting these laws, at least insofar as they seemed a break with precedent as well as sound policy. It was natural and proper as well for lawyers attached to the crown interest to defend Grenville’s policies, for surely Parliament, which Grenville led, was a legitimate source of new legislation. Thus the lawyers on both sides of the issue joined combat in the court of public opinion.Less
George Grenville’s program of “reform” was first and foremost a legal one—a thorough review of colonial law, the enforcement of old laws and the passage of new laws adapted from older models. It was thus natural and proper for revolutionary lawyers in the making to take the lead in protesting these laws, at least insofar as they seemed a break with precedent as well as sound policy. It was natural and proper as well for lawyers attached to the crown interest to defend Grenville’s policies, for surely Parliament, which Grenville led, was a legitimate source of new legislation. Thus the lawyers on both sides of the issue joined combat in the court of public opinion.
