Unit 3 Lesson 2: New Laws and Negative Reactions - The Stamp Act
Who was involved?
- British Parliament: The legislative body that enacted the Stamp Act in 1765.
- Colonial Americans: Particularly the American colonists, including merchants, lawyers, and ordinary citizens, who opposed the tax.
- Colonial Assemblies: Groups like the Virginia House of Burgesses, which organized resistance.
- Sons of Liberty: A group of patriots formed to oppose British policies and promote colonial resistance.
- Stamp Distributors: Colonial agents tasked with enforcing the Act, many faced harassment or refusal to carry out their duties.
What happened?
The Stamp Act of 1765 was a direct tax imposed by the British Parliament on the American colonies, requiring that many printed materials, such as newspapers, legal documents, and playing cards, be produced on stamped paper produced in London, carrying an embossed revenue stamp. The Act was met with widespread opposition, leading to protests, the formation of the Sons of Liberty, and a boycott of British goods. Colonists argued that the tax was unjust because they had no representation in Parliament, coining the phrase "no taxation without representation." The backlash was so strong that the Stamp Act was repealed in 1766.
Where did the event take place?
The Stamp Act was enacted by the British Parliament in London, but its effects and the ensuing protests and opposition took place throughout the American colonies, including urban centers like Boston, New York, and Philadelphia, as well as in Georgia and its capital, Savannah.
When did the event take place?
The Stamp Act was passed on March 22, 1765, and it went into effect on November 1, 1765. It was eventually repealed on March 18, 1766, due to the backlash from the colonies.
Why is this event important to Georgia’s history?
The Stamp Act is significant to Georgia’s history as it marked one of the early instances of collective resistance against British rule among colonists. Although Georgia had fewer instances of immediate opposition compared to other colonies, the tensions contributed to the rising sentiment of independence and unity among the colonies. Events like the Stamp Act led to increased political awareness and activism in Georgia, eventually contributing to its role in the American Revolution and the fight for independence from Britain.
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