A History | Events Leading to the American Revolution | Intolerable Acts
Intolerable Acts
The Intolerable Acts was the name Americans gave to a series of British-imposed restrictions that came in the
wake of the Boston Tea Party.
Parliament Passes Coercive Acts
Colonists unhappy with "Intolerable" acts
Monday October 17, 1774
On December 16, of last year (1773 AD) about 150 Boston patriots boarded a few English ships that were docked
in Boston port carrying tea for the East India Company. Disguised as Indians they proceeded to dump 342 chests
of tea into the harbor. They took this action out of frustration due to the tax on tea that was placed on them
by the Tea Act of 1773.
Prime Minister Lord North was reported to be "deeply angered" by this action. North's associates
regarded the colonial act of violence as "flaunting of constituted authority". Lord North continued
by asking Parliament to discipline and control the colonies more firmly.
Parliament has placed four "coercive acts" on Boston, Massachusetts and the other colonies. Lord
North introduced the first measure, the Boston Port Bill last March 18, and it has been signed by
King George III. This act has closed the port of Boston until England is
repaid for the tea.
On May 20, The Massachusetts Bay Regulating Act was passed. North's ministry wants to redress what they feel
are "defects" in the administration of Massachusetts Bay. With royal approval no town meetings are to
be held in the colony, to retain the liberty- minded.
Lord North wants to try to secure fair trials for British subjects and wants to try preventing rioting among the
colonies. North proposed the Impartial Administration of Justice Act on April 15. This act permits the governor
to move trials to other colonies, or to England. He is also being permitted to call upon the British army for
aid to put an end to civil disturbances. In the view of most colonists this Act quite absurd and will just cause
more problems.
The fourth act applies to all of the colonies. This act passed on June 2 is the Quartering Act. This Act
requires colonists to house royal troops because barracks are unavailable or unsuitable. Colonist cannot refuse
Royal soldiers quarter when called upon.
Many colonists have said these acts to be "intolerable."
Local Colonist Speaks Out Against Parliament
My name is Jonas McKenzie and I write opinions for this publickation, the North American Review. I know I am not
alone when I say that the Coercive Acts passed by Parliament are outrageous and unfair. We, the colonists
should not have to live under such tyranny. The Parliament has gone too far with these intolerable Acts. The
Boston Port Act has shut down our port preventing us from shipping anything in or out of the colony. The
Massachusetts Government Act has forbidden us from town meetings and revoked our colony's charter. The
Quartering Act has forced us to house British troops against our own will, making us provide them with food and
drink for free. The Administration of Justice Act removed British jurisdiction of Massachusetts courts. These
acts are unlawful and require a boycott of all things British by subjects under the Empire's colonial rule in
North America.
Adams: All For Independence
Local colonist Samuel Adams, born in Boston on September 27, 1722, raised here is now helping with our fight
against Great Britain. Adams was educated at Harvard College. He left college in 1740. In 1756, he was elected
tax collector of Boston, he held that position for eight years. Adams is a very outspoken man. In 1765, he
drafted the instructions to Boston representatives in the General Court. That same year he was elected to the
lower house of General Court. The following year he was elected clerk by the lower house, which he held until
1774. He has gradually assumed leadership of our movement to advocate independence from Great Britain. Adams
has become a large influence on aspects of our struggle against British rule. He has also promoted the
formation of the Sons Of Liberty and has sponsored the Committee of Correspondence, groups which until now have
remained secret due to their illegal nature.
Adams has led the fight against the Townshend
Act. He headed the demonstration that led to the Boston
Massacre, and he directed the attack on unlawful tea importation, now being dubbed
"the Boston Tea Party." So we feel certain that Adams will
continue in the fight against these "intolerable" Acts that have been put forth by Parliament.
Adams has contributed to the Gazette many lucid and forceful articles, which have inveighed against
reconciliation with Great Britain. We feel that Massachusetts is in good hands.
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