The Stamp ActThe Stamp Act

March 1765-1766March 1765-1766

The PlotThe Plot

The Stamp Act was a tax passed by The Stamp Act was a tax passed by the British Parliament on the the British Parliament on the Colonies to help pay for the F/I War Colonies to help pay for the F/I War and to fund a permanent military and to fund a permanent military force in the colonies. It taxed force in the colonies. It taxed things like paper, diplomas, playing things like paper, diplomas, playing cards, etc. This act was passed cards, etc. This act was passed without debate in Parliament … without debate in Parliament … didn’t even occur to them that it didn’t even occur to them that it was illegal. was illegal.

Key People Figures Key People Figures and Groupsand Groups Prime Minister George GrenvillePrime Minister George Grenville Patrick Henry – gave a speech in the House Patrick Henry – gave a speech in the House

of Burgesses against the Stamp Actof Burgesses against the Stamp Act Sons of Liberty – first terrorist group in Sons of Liberty – first terrorist group in

America. Samuel Adams was a member. It America. Samuel Adams was a member. It was a secret society made up of merchants was a secret society made up of merchants and people directly affected. and people directly affected.

ColonistsColonists King George III (“Mad” King George).King George III (“Mad” King George). Parliament – passed taxes on coloniesParliament – passed taxes on colonies Ben Franklin spoke to Parliament against the Ben Franklin spoke to Parliament against the

Stamp Act. Stamp Act.

OutcomesOutcomes

Stamp Act Congress. 9 Colonies sent a letter to Stamp Act Congress. 9 Colonies sent a letter to Parliament and King explaining positionParliament and King explaining position

Boycotts – colonists say they won’t buy the taxed Boycotts – colonists say they won’t buy the taxed goods (merchants in NYC against importing British goods (merchants in NYC against importing British goods)goods)

Non-importation AgreementsNon-importation Agreements Sons of Liberty (tar & feather) & Daughters of Liberty Sons of Liberty (tar & feather) & Daughters of Liberty

(boycott foreign made goods, homespun clothes (boycott foreign made goods, homespun clothes became symbol of resistance), and rioting in NYC became symbol of resistance), and rioting in NYC (burned gov’s coach in bonfire, destroyed tax (burned gov’s coach in bonfire, destroyed tax collector’s house)collector’s house)

Repeal of Stamp Act March 1766 Repeal of Stamp Act March 1766 Declaratory Act of 1766: we are still the boss!Declaratory Act of 1766: we are still the boss! Townshend Acts from Champagne Charlie: paint, Townshend Acts from Champagne Charlie: paint,

glass, lead, tea, etc.glass, lead, tea, etc.

Historical Historical Significance/ImportancSignificance/Importancee One of the things that eventually leads us One of the things that eventually leads us

to the Revolution. to the Revolution. British violating cherished idea of “NO British violating cherished idea of “NO

TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION …”TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION …” Colonies asserting their will for the first Colonies asserting their will for the first

timetime British response: Colonies are disobedient British response: Colonies are disobedient

children who need to be shown their place. children who need to be shown their place.

Stamp Act Protests Stamp Act Protests

Tar and FeatheringTar and Feathering