Coercive/Intolerable Acts
The Plot
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In response to the BTP, Parliament passed a series of
acts known as the Coercive Acts/Intolerable Acts
5 major acts included
Boston Port Act—closing of the port of Boston until they
paid for BTP
Massachusetts Government Act—reducing colonial
government
Administration of Justice Act—British officials living in the
colonies who committed serious crimes would be sent to
England for their trials (where they would receive more
sympathy)
Quebec Act—extended French territory south to the Ohio
River, pushed out British colonists who were still trying
to move west to settle in the valley
Quartering Act—Must house and feed British soldiers
Key People, Groups and Figures
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British
Parliament: passed the law to punish the
colonies
Colonists
Colonists of Mass. and specifically Boston
George Washington: wealthy planter / war hero
from F&I War— “The cause of Boston now is
and ever will be the cause of America”
Ben Franklin—Unofficial colonial ambassador
who tried to smooth things over…He called the
BTP a “violent act of injustice”
Outcomes
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Put a stranglehold on the city of Boston
that causes Colonists to dislike the British
and think about ways to band together
against the British
people outside Boston sent support in the
way of food and money to help—
Committees of Correspondence now
became assistance networks
Historical Significance
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Colonists saw this as “intolerable”
Backfired for British
United the colonies even further
pushes them toward First Cont. Congress
and eventually war … pushes them toward
First Continental Congress and WAR!
Intolerable Acts
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Boston Port Bill, June 1.1774: intended to close down the Port of Boston
until the East India Company was paid for their tea, and Parliament was paid
the tax due on the tea.
Massachusetts Government Act, May 20, 1774: declared that members
of the Massachusetts Council would be appointed by the Governor, not elected
by the people. Town meetings could take place only with the Governor's
permission. The governor had full power to appoint local officials judiciaries,
and juries would be appointed by the sheriffs, not elected.
Administration of Justice Act, May 20, 1774: any British official serving in
the colonies, who was accused of a capital offense could be removed from the
colony and sent to another colony or to England for a fair trial.
Quartering Act, March 24, 1765: colonial citizens would be required to
house, and feed, British Army soldiers, officers and troops in their private
homes.
Quebec Act May 20, 1774: gave Canada's Catholics civil equality and
guaranteed religious tolerance. Also gave the French vast territories west of
the Appalachians. The colonists saw this as an attempt for Britain to renew
their battles with both the French and the Indians.