Declaring Independence Boston Port Act
Boston Port Act
(March 31, 1774)
In response to the Boston Tea Party, the British Parliament outlawed the use of the Port of Boston for "landing and discharging, lading or shipping, of goods, wares, and merchandise" until such time as restitution was made to the King's treasury for customs duty lost and to the East India Company for damages suffered. Passed on March 31, 1774, the Boston Port Act was one of the Intolerable Acts designed to control American dominions. Instead, they helped solidify resistance to the British.
The other Intolerable Acts were:
- Quartering Act - Housing can be requisitioned from the local populace
- Massachusetts Government Act - All governmental functions were removed from the colonists and placed in the hands of the royal governor.
- Administration of Justice Act - Royal officials accused of capital crimes during the execution of their duties - suppressing riots or collecting lawful taxes - could avoid hostile local juries by facing trial in England or another colony.