or Coercive Acts
(1774) Four punitive measures enacted by the British Parliament against the American colonies.
Boston's harbour was closed until restitution was made for the tea destroyed in the Boston Tea Party ; the Massachusetts colony's charter was annulled and a military governor installed; British officials charged with capital offenses could go to England for trial; and arrangement for housing British troops in American houses was revived. The Quebec Act added to these oppressive measures. The acts, called "intolerable" by the colonists, led to a convening of the Continental Congress .