Causes Of The American Revolution

Question 1

Pontiac’s rebellion

Answer 1

• May 1763
• feared further westward expansion
• Pontiac’s (Native American) forces defeated by British troops funded by Britain- captured and killed 2000 colonists
• confirmed view that British were needed to defend America

Question 2

Grenville background

Answer 2

• Succeeded Lord Bute as prime minister in 1763
• experienced politician who served in a number of ministries since 1744
• main concern was to reduce the national debt

Question 3

Grenville’s anti-smuggling measures

Answer 3

• Colonial customs officials had to stay in America and couldn’t leave the duty to deputies
• colonial courts (lenient in smuggling cases) lost authority to deal with such cases
• responsibility given to one judge who’s more likely to give harsher punishment

Question 4

Proclamation line

Answer 4

• 1763
• declared Appalachian mountains as western most territory to prevent conflict with native Americans
• colonists felt it was unfair and it broke down by 1768
• Britain placed taxes on colonists without consulting them

Question 5

Currency act

Answer 5

• 1764
• banned the use of colonial currency so only British currency could be used

Question 6

Currency act consequences

Answer 6

• caused economical depression and deflation with the threat of bankruptcy
• made it harder for colonists to pay debts

Question 7

Sugar act

Answer 7

• 1764
• Tax reduced from 6d to 3d
• tax actually enforced now to reduce smuggling

Question 8

Sugar act consequences

Answer 8

• Affected mainly New England due to rum production
• colonists angry due to having no say in British politics but still having to pay taxes to them