1. STAMP ACT November 1, 1765

2. STAMP ACT  Enacted March 22, 1765- Went into effect November 1, 1765  The Stamp Act required Americans to purchase tax stamps for any printed documents including newspapers, legal documents, marriage licenses and more  Would have an effect on anyone who purchased a printed item like a newspaper.

3. DOCUMENT A  Where does the newspaper come from? When was it printed? Was it printed before or after the Stamp Act was went into effect?  What would you predict the author’s perspective will be on the Stamp Act?  How does the author refer to Britain? America?  What can we infer from the line, “I urge you to talk to your representatives…”?

4. DOCUMENT B  Where does the newspaper come from? When was it printed? Was it printed before or after the Stamp Act was went into effect?  What would you predict the author’s perspective will be on the Stamp Act?  According to the author, what happened in Boston?  Why is the author surprised?  Who reads the newspapers, according to the author?

5. REFLECTION: ACCORDING TO ALL THREE DOCUMENTS…  Why were the colonists upset about the Stamp Act?  Was the Stamp Act an unreasonable and unfair tax?  Were the colonists treated like slaves?  Were the British violating colonists’ rights?  How were the colonists behaving in response to the Stamp Act?  Some Historians have argued that the American Revolution happened because of a few rich leaders riled up all the poor people. Do these documents provide evidence for this argument? Is that evidence believable?

6. MORE ACTS…  Quartering Act (1765)- ordered colonist to provide British troops with quarters, or housing. Must provide: candles, firing, bedding, cooking utensils, salt, vinegar, and beer or cider.  Townshend Acts (1767)- A tax on imported goods from Britain. Included: glass, paint, paper, and tea.

7. BOSTON MASSACRE, MARCH 5, 1770  Boston Patriots resented the presence of British Soldiers.  Troops were forbidden to fire on the colonists.  Mob of Bostonians began to harass the British troops.  One of the soldiers was knocked over and opened fire.  Five (5) colonist were killed.