The document discusses several influential ideas and events that contributed to growing tensions between the American colonies and Britain in the lead up to the American Revolution. It outlines republican ideals of representative government and individual liberty that were influential in both England and America. It then describes several acts passed by the British Parliament and actions taken by the British crown from the 1760s onward that were seen as infringements on colonial rights and self-governance by the colonists, including taxation acts like the Sugar Act and increased enforcement of trade regulations.

1. Road to Revolution Influential Ideas Republicanism - a representative government modeled on Ancient Greece & Rome - the stability & authority of government are based on the virtue of the citizens - selflessness, self-sufficiency, & courage

2. ‘ Country’/‘Radical’ Whig Ideology in England & America - opposed the power of the Monarchy and critical of: - corruption, patronage & bribes, among the King’s ministers - the dangers of a standing army - the threat a powerful state posed to personal liberty

3. A New King George III became King of England in 1760

4. Parson’s Cause (1758-1763) - British government interfered with Virginia’s limitation of the pay for Anglican ministers - Colonists, including Patrick Henry, were hostile to the minister’s claims and British interference

5. Writs of Assistance (beginning in 1760) - general search warrants intended to cut down on smuggling - enabled British authorities to search any colonist's business or home with no advance notice and no probable cause - James Otis, a prominent Boston lawyer, argued against the writs in an unsuccessful court case

6. Aftermath of the French & Indian War - Pontiac’s Rebellion (1763-66) - Proclamation Line of 1763 - Posting of 10,000 on the frontier - Increased enforcement & collection of import duties by Prime Minister George Grenville - Britain’s national debt doubled as a result of the War

7. Paxton Boys (1763-4) - After Pontiac’s Rebellion Pennsylvania frontiersmen attacked and massacred peaceful local American Indians - The colonial government did not support them and instead threatened prosecution - In response the militia marched on Philadelphia but were met by British troops & militia - The frontier militia was convinced to back down by Benjamin Franklin

8. Sugar Act (1764) - Reduced import taxes on foreign-made molasses, but strengthened enforcement of the law - tried smugglers before a Vice-Admiralty Court – a British judge, instead of a colonial jury - first British tax on the colonies designed to raise revenue instead of regulate trade - Hurt prosperous colonial merchants