Blockade the ports: the British imposed a series of blockades on the ports of the New England colonies, starting with the Boston Port act in 1774, which closed the port of boston in response to the Boston tea party. This was followed by similar blockades on the ports of Salem, Marblehead, and Gloucester. These blockades severely disrupted trade and shipping in New England, causing significant economic hardship.
Military occupation: the British deployed troops to occupy key towns and cities in New England, further isolating the colonies from one another. These troops were used to enforce the blockades and to suppress dissent. The presence of British soldiers in New England also increased tensions between the colonists and the British authorities.