1. Non-importation Agreements:
* Colonists agreed to boycott imported goods from Britain in response to the Townshend Acts of 1767, which imposed duties on certain imported items. This significantly reduced the demand for British goods and hurt the British economy.
2. Mob Violence and Protests:
* The Boston Massacre in 1770 and the Boston Tea Party in 1773 were prominent instances of mob violence and protest against British policies. These events symbolized colonists' growing frustration and rejection of British authority.
3. Committees of Correspondence:
* Colonists established Committees of Correspondence to communicate, coordinate, and share information about British actions. These committees helped create a network of resistance across the colonies.
4. Sons of Liberty:
* The Sons of Liberty was a secret society formed in the American colonies that played a crucial role in organizing protests and resistance activities against British policies.
5. Petitions and Letters of Protest:
* Colonists sent petitions and letters of protest to the British government, expressing their grievances and challenging Parliament's authority.
6. Legal Challenges:
* Some colonists used legal means to resist British regulations and taxation, such as challenging the legality of certain laws in colonial courts.
7. Non-Cooperation and Civil Disobedience:
* Colonists engaged in acts of civil disobedience by refusing to pay taxes, enforcing British regulations, or cooperating with British officials.
8. Propaganda:
* Colonists used pamphlets, newspapers, and other forms of media to spread their grievances and garner public support for their cause.
9. Formation of Militias:
* Militias were formed in the colonies to prepare for potential conflicts with British forces and ensure self-defense.
10. International Diplomacy:
* Some colonists sought alliances and support from other countries to counter British policies. Benjamin Franklin, for instance, made efforts to gain French assistance during the American Revolution.
Overall, through these acts of resistance and defiance, colonists challenged Britain's attempts to regulate and tax them, leading to the escalation of tensions and ultimately contributing to the outbreak of the American Revolution.