The Independent Movement (1415)

In the 18^th century there were thirteen English colonies in North America, which were under British rule. After the Seven Years' War (1756 – 1763) the British Government increased its pressure on the colonies and put all possible obstacles in the way of their independent industrial development and trade. Britain exploited its American colonies and imposed new taxes and duties which affected the interests of the colonists, thus making them pay for the Seven Years' War.

In Philadelphia in 1774 merchants, ship-owners, lawyers and others revolted and decided to stop trade with Britain and boycott the British goods.

The British Government's decision to grant the East India Company the right of tax-free export of tea to the colonies caused indignation among the colonists, and especially the merchants involved in the sale of smuggled tea. In December 1773 a group of members of an organization called "Sons of Liberty", dressed as Indians, boarded the British ships lying at anchor in the port of Boston. They took all the boxes of tea and dropped them into the water of the harbour. This incident was named the Boston Tea Party. In answer to this the British Government closed the Boston port and prohibited all kinds of public gatherings. British soldiers were billeted in the city. All these measures further sharpened the conflict between the metropolis and the colonies; it was the last straw in the independence movement.

The machinery of colonial power was shaken, a people's militia was formed, skirmishes with British troops started. And the war between Britain and its American colonies soon began. It was the war for the independence of American colonies from British rule.

Check your comprehension.

1. How many English colonies were under British rule in the 18^th century? 2. How did the British Government keep the colonies in obedience? 3. Why did the people of Philadelphia revolt against British rule? 4. What caused indignation among the colonists? 5. Who were "Sons of Liberty"? 6. What did they do? 7. Which were the actions of the British Government in return? 8. What sharpened the conflict between Britain and the colonies? 9. What shook the machinery of colonial power? 10. What war began soon?

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Chapter 1	\|	The War for Independence (1446)

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