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 F/I 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.
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
Sons of Liberty – first terrorist group in America.
Samuel Adams was a member. 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.
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.
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.
Stamp Act Protests
Tar and Feathering