​Intolerable

​Something that is intolerable is something so terrible and awful that you can't stand it.

​

​The colonists called the British laws passed after the Stamp Act the Intolerable Acts.

​Intolerable Acts

Quartering Act - law stating that colonists had to allow British soldiers to live with them if they needed a place to stay.

​

Writs of Assistance - ​law stating that British soldiers can search through people's homes and businesses for smuggled goods.

​Intolerable Acts

It was a quiet night. Henry Adams was working in his small cooper’s shop by himself. Suddenly, there was a bang on the door. Mr. Adams opened the door to find two British officials. They pushed past him and started searching through his shop. They pushed over barrels and broke a small stool. Mr. Adams tried to protest but they told him angrily to be quiet. They announced they were searching for smuggled goods. After a few more minutes of rummaging through his shop, they stormed out, slamming the door behind them.

​Intolerable Acts

At the end of a long day, the Otis family was getting ready for a quiet night before heading to bed. They suddenly hear a knock on their door. They open the door and three British soldiers are at the door. The soldiers explain that the soldiers will be staying with the Otis family for the next few nights to save money. The Otis family does not have a choice. There is not enough beds for everyone so the Otis family will be sleeping on the floor while the soldiers are staying with them. The family is also expected to provide food for the soldiers every morning and night.

​Intolerable Acts

“So it is only fair that the colonists help to pay for the protection we are giving them. Clearly, the King has authority over the colonies. It is in the name of that authority that we suggest new rules which will make the colonists pay taxes to the English government.”

​Intolerable Acts

A man’s house is his castle. While he is quiet, he is like a prince in his castle. This law takes this right away from us. British soldiers may enter our houses whenever they want. We are forced to let them in. Anyone who works for them may enter, may break locks, bars, and everything in their way. They are entering the homes of the people who annoy them, not the people they actually think committed a crime. There is no court for us to complain to. No one will listen.