Overview
This lecture covers the Stamp Act of 1765 and the colonial response, including the rise of the Sons and Daughters of Liberty, and emphasizes the conflict over taxation and representation that fueled the move toward American independence.
The Stamp Act and Its Impact
- The Stamp Act (1765) taxed printed documents in the colonies as a direct tax on consumers.
- Unlike prior taxes (e.g., Sugar Act), the Stamp Act was an internal tax, not on imported goods.
- Parliament, not colonial assemblies, passed the Stamp Act, bypassing local representation.
- The quartering act required colonists to house British troops.
- The Stamp Act affected a wide range of colonists—rich and poor, men and women, north and south.
Colonial Objections and Representation Debate
- Colonists objected to the Stamp Act because it was a direct and internal tax imposed without their consent.
- The central debate became direct representation (colonists elect representatives who can tax) versus virtual representation (Parliament claimed to represent all British subjects).
- James Otis and Patrick Henry popularized the slogan "no taxation without representation."
Colonial Resistance and Cooperation
- The Stamp Act Congress (nine colonies) met and issued the Declaration of Rights and Grievances, asserting no taxation without representation.
- This congress was an early example of colonial cooperation against British policy.
- Popular protests emerged, including the Sons of Liberty (men) and Daughters of Liberty (women), opposing the Stamp Act through organized resistance and boycotts.
Actions and Outcomes
- Sons of Liberty used intimidation and violence against tax collectors; some officials resigned or fled.
- Daughters of Liberty promoted non-importation (boycotting British goods) and homemade ("homespun") goods.
- Persistent resistance led Britain to repeal the Stamp Act but pass the Declaratory Act, asserting the right to tax the colonies.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Stamp Act — 1765 law taxing printed materials in the colonies.
- Direct Tax — A tax levied directly on individuals, not on goods or businesses.
- Internal Tax — A tax on activity within the colonies, not on imports or exports.
- Virtual Representation — British claim that Parliament represented all British subjects, even those in the colonies.
- No Taxation Without Representation — Colonial slogan demanding only elected representatives could levy taxes.
- Stamp Act Congress — 1765 meeting of colonial representatives to coordinate resistance.
- Sons of Liberty — Organization using protest and intimidation to oppose British policies.
- Daughters of Liberty — Organization promoting boycotts and homespun goods in protest.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the Declaration of Rights and Grievances.
- Prepare for discussion on how colonial unity developed through resistance to British policy.