Question
What did parliament do as a result of the colonists' petition to reject the stamp act and boycott British goods and services?
Answers
GPT-4o mini
In response to the colonists' petition against the Stamp Act and their boycott of British goods and services, Parliament ultimately repealed the Stamp Act in 1766. The act, which had imposed a direct tax on the colonies requiring them to use specially stamped paper for legal documents, newspapers, and other papers, faced significant opposition and protests from colonists.
The widespread boycott of British goods and organized resistance—such as the activities of the Sons of Liberty—put economic pressure on Britain. Recognizing the unpopularity and the economic impact of the Stamp Act, as well as the escalating tensions with the colonies, Parliament decided to repeal the Act.
However, in the same year, Parliament passed the Declaratory Act, which asserted its authority to legislate for the colonies “in all cases whatsoever.” This indicated that while the Stamp Act was repealed, Britain retained the power to impose taxes and make decisions for the colonies, leading to continued tension between the colonies and the British government.
The widespread boycott of British goods and organized resistance—such as the activities of the Sons of Liberty—put economic pressure on Britain. Recognizing the unpopularity and the economic impact of the Stamp Act, as well as the escalating tensions with the colonies, Parliament decided to repeal the Act.
However, in the same year, Parliament passed the Declaratory Act, which asserted its authority to legislate for the colonies “in all cases whatsoever.” This indicated that while the Stamp Act was repealed, Britain retained the power to impose taxes and make decisions for the colonies, leading to continued tension between the colonies and the British government.