In 1772, Samuel Adams of Massachusetts (Founding member of the Sons of Liberty and second cousin of future-President John Adams) drafted a declaration of the rights of the colonists as men, as Christians, and as subjects of the British Crown. This statement of the rights to which the colonists believed they were entitled was written 4 years before the Declaration of Independence. What was the king's purpose in taking away the colonists rights?The King has attempted to suppress the colonial rebellion through violence and military means. He sent the British military to attack colonists, burn their towns, attack their ships at sea, and destroy the lives of the people.
What did the colonists accuse the king of?The colonists accuse the king of sending a hired army to force them to obey unjust laws. They say the king is “unfit to be the ruler of a free people.”
What problems did the colonists have with the king?They had to pay high taxes to the king. They felt that they were paying taxes to a government where they had no representation. They were also angry because the colonists were forced to let British soldiers sleep and eat in their homes.
How did king George respond to the colonists grievances?In his message to Parliament early in 1775, George III declared the colonists to be in a state of open rebellion; and by sending armies to the Americas, he "abdicated government," by thus declaring them no longer under his protection. Shortly after, the Prohibitory Act was passed by Parliament.
|