What was the purpose of the Tea Act of 1773? What were the Coercive Acts, and wh

Question:

What was the purpose of the Tea Act of 1773? What were the Coercive Acts, and why did the colonists fear them?

In 1775, how did General Thomas Gage attempt to quell a potential colonial uprising?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: The Tea Act was to undercut Colonial merchants and make money for the East India Trading Co.

The "Coercive Acts" were also known as the Intolerable Acts.

They included:

The Massachusetts Government Act, which gave Britain the power to appoint officials in Mass., such as judges.

The Administration of Justice Act, which meant that trials for British soldiers that broke the law would take place in Britain, rather than the US. So, they basically aren't punished for their crimes!

The Boston Port Act, blockaded Boston Harbor cutting off all trade the capital of Mass. The British believed if they suffocated Boston "the head of the beast", the revolution would die too.

Quartering Act, British soldiers had to be sheltered by colonists in empty buildings and in their own homes!

The colonists didn't fear them as much as it enraged them! These acts sparked outrage in Mass. and the other colonies, sparking protests and support for Boston all over. It fueled the revolution.

In 1775, under the command of Gage, the Battle of Concord and Lexington took place. The first battle of the American Revolution; the shot heard round the world.