To answer this, we analyze each act and the typical colonial reactions:
The Sugar Act
- Define: Raised taxes on imported sugars, molasses, and new taxes on silk, wine, coffee, pimento, indigo.
- Colonists’ Reaction: Protests, boycotts of British goods, and calls for "no taxation without representation" began. Smuggling (to avoid taxes) increased.
The Stamp Act
- Define: Taxed legal documents, printed materials (newspapers, playing cards) with a stamp.
- Colonists’ Reaction: Violent protests (e.g., Stamp Act Congress, Sons of Liberty), widespread boycotts, and the act was eventually repealed due to colonial resistance.
The Quartering Act
- Define: Forced colonists to house British troops (provide housing, supplies).
- Colonists’ Reaction: Anger over loss of privacy/property rights, some colonies (like New York) initially resisted (though later complied under pressure).
The Townshend Acts
- Define: Taxed imported goods (tea, paint, glass) to raise revenue for British governance.
- Colonists’ Reaction: Boycotts of British imports, protests (e.g., non-importation agreements), and tensions escalated (contributed to events like the Boston Massacre).
Filling the Table (Example Completion):
| Acts: DEFINE | Colonists’ Reaction: REACTION |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| The Sugar Act <br> Raised taxes on imported sugars, molasses, and new taxes on silk, wine, coffee, pimento, indigo. | Protests, boycotts of British goods, increased smuggling to avoid taxes. |
| The Stamp Act <br> Taxed legal documents/printed materials (newspapers, playing cards) with a stamp. | Violent protests (Sons of Liberty), Stamp Act Congress, boycotts; act repealed. |
| The Quartering Act <br> Forced colonists to house British troops. | Anger over property rights; some colonies (e.g., NY) initially resisted. |
| The Townshend Acts <br> Taxed imported goods (tea, paint, glass) to raise government revenue. | Boycotts of British imports, non - importation agreements, escalating tensions. |
(Note: Spelling correction: "RECACTION" → "REACTION" in the table header.)