What act prohibited American colonists from moving west of the Appalachian Mountains?

The Proclamation Act of 1763 was the measure that specifically prohibited American colonists from settling west of the Appalachian Mountains. This act was issued by the British government as a response to the Native American uprisings that followed the French and Indian War. The government aimed to stabilize relations with Native American tribes by restricting colonial expansion into their territories, thereby reducing the likelihood of conflicts. This was part of a broader strategy to manage the vast lands acquired from France and to control westward settlement and development.

The Stamp Act, on the other hand, was focused on taxation, requiring colonists to purchase special stamped paper for legal documents, newspapers, and other publications, which primarily raised issues related to taxation without representation. The Townshend Acts imposed duties on imported goods, again centering around taxation concerns rather than land settlement. Lastly, the Navigation Acts were designed to regulate colonial trade and ensure that it benefited England, rather than dealing directly with territorial concerns. Each of these acts served different purposes and addressed various aspects of colonial governance, but it was the Proclamation Act that specifically created the boundary for colonial expansion.