The Stamp Act
March 1765-1766
The Plot
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The Stamp Act was a tax passed by
the British Parliament on the Colonies
to help pay for the French and Indian
War and to fund a permanent military
force in the colonies. It taxed things
like paper, diplomas, playing cards,
etc. This act was passed without
debate in Parliament … didn’t even
occur to them that it was illegal.
The Stamp Act (1765)
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Parliament passed the Stamp Act to
get more revenue from the colonies.
Colonists had to buy special stamps to
put on legal documents, dice, and
playing cards.
Newspapers had to be printed on
special stamped paper.
Affected people of every colony and
social class.
The Stamp Act (1765)
Stamp Act
Protesting the Stamp Act
Colonists protested in a petition asking
Parliament to repeal the Stamp and
Sugar Acts.
 Many colonists agreed to boycott British
goods.
 Colonists who organized boycotts called
themselves the Sons and Daughters of
Liberty.
Boycott: refuse to buy
Repeal: to do away with
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Stamp Act Protests
Tar and Feathering
Stamp Act
Key People Figures and
Groups
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Prime Minister George Grenville
Patrick Henry – gave a speech in the House of
Burgesses against the Stamp Act-” I know not what
course others may take but as for me, give me
liberty or give me death.”
Key People Figures and
Groups
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Sons of Liberty – Samuel Adams,
John Adams, John Hancock, Paul
Revere, and Patrick Henry were all
members. It was a secret society
made up of merchants and people
directly affected.
Colonists
King George III (“Mad” King George).
Parliament – passed taxes on colonies
Ben Franklin spoke to Parliament
against the Stamp Act.
Key People Figures and
Groups-Continued
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British Prime Minister George Grenville
Patrick Henry – gave a speech in the
House of Burgesses against the Stamp
Act-” I know not what course others
may take but as for me, give me
liberty or give me death.”
Colonists ( Patriots and Loyalists)
Questions?

What are Patriots?
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What are Loyalists?
Patriots and Loyalists
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Patriots- strong supporters of
American Independence
Loyalists- colonists who did not want
independence from Great Britain
Sons of Liberty
Historical
Significance/Importance
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One of the things that eventually leads us to
the Revolution.
British violating cherished idea of “NO
TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION …”
Colonies asserting their will for the first time
British response: Colonies are disobedient
children who need to be shown their place.
What does this mean?
Definition

"No taxation without
representation" is a slogan
originating during the 1750s and
1760s that summarized a primary
grievance of the British colonists in the
Thirteen Colonies, which was one of
the major causes of the American
Revolution
Outcomes
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Stamp Act Congress. 9 Colonies sent a letter to Parliament
and King explaining position
Boycotts – colonists say they won’t buy the taxed goods
(merchants in NYC against importing British goods)
Non-importation Agreements
Sons of Liberty (tar & feather) & Daughters of Liberty
(boycott foreign made goods, homespun clothes became
symbol of resistance), and rioting in NYC (burned gov’s coach
in bonfire, destroyed tax collector’s house)
Repeal of Stamp Act March 1766
Declaratory Act of 1766: we are still the boss!
Townshend Acts from Champagne Charlie: paint, glass, lead,
tea, etc.