Overview
This lecture covers the origins and colonial resistance to the Sugar Act and Stamp Act, the debates over taxation and representation, and key protests that led to greater tensions between Britain and the American colonies.
Patrick Henry and the Stamp Act Resolutions
- Patrick Henry, a young Virginia legislator, opposed the Stamp Act and presented bold resolutions.
- His famous fifth resolution asserted only Virginia's assembly could tax Virginians, challenging both Parliament and the King.
- The resolutions sparked heated debate, with some viewing Henry as a traitor and others as a patriot.
- Although the fifth resolution was overturned, its message spread widely and strengthened colonial unity against British taxes.
The End of the Seven Years War and New British Policies
- The 1763 Proclamation Line barred colonial settlement west of the Appalachians to avoid conflict with American Indians.
- Britain, facing high war debts, kept 10,000 troops in North America for security, leading to major expenses.
- Parliament, led by Prime Minister Grenville, decided American colonists should help pay through new taxes.
The Sugar Act of 1764
- The Sugar Act (also called the Revenue Act) taxed sugar, wine, coffee, lumber, and other goods at ports (external tax).
- The act also cut the tax on foreign molasses but increased enforcement, aiming to curb rampant colonial smuggling.
- Smugglers now faced harsher penalties, including trial without jury in Admiralty courts.
- Colonists argued the act was unconstitutional because it aimed to raise revenue without representation.
The Stamp Act of 1765
- The Stamp Act was a direct internal tax on newspapers, legal documents, playing cards, and more.
- Both the Sugar and Stamp Acts brought up the issue: Can Parliament tax colonists without their consent?
- Colonists increasingly rejected both internal/external tax distinctions and the idea of "virtual representation" in Parliament.
Colonial Response and Protest
- Economic boycotts and local production were the main responses to the Sugar Act.
- The Stamp Act was met with both peaceful protests (resolutions, petitions, the Stamp Act Congress) and violent actions (effigy burnings, mob attacks on officials).
- The Sons of Liberty formed to organize resistance, enforce boycotts, and spread protest across the colonies.
- Both acts were eventually repealed, but Parliament passed the Declaratory Act affirming its authority over the colonies, fueling more miscommunication and tension.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Stamp Act — 1765 law imposing direct taxes on various printed materials in the colonies.
- Sugar Act — 1764 law introducing taxes on sugar and other goods imported to the colonies.
- External Tax — Tax levied at ports on imports/exports.
- Internal Tax — Direct tax applied within the colonies on goods and everyday items.
- Virtual Representation — British theory that Parliament represents all subjects, regardless of actual elected representatives.
- No Taxation Without Representation — Colonial slogan rejecting taxation by Parliament without direct colonial representation.
- Stamp Act Congress — 1765 meeting of colonial representatives to coordinate protest against the Stamp Act.
- Sons of Liberty — Patriot group organizing resistance, often through direct action and intimidation.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the constitutional arguments about internal vs. external taxes and representation.
- Understand the spectrum of colonial protest methods (economic, political, violent).
- Prepare for discussion on the Boston Massacre and increasing tensions in the next lecture.