The Aftermath of the French and Indian War and the Stamp Act

Background

• By the end of the French and Indian War in 1763, England had spent 70 billion pounds defending the American colonies.
• England felt it was time for Americans to contribute financially, addressing the imbalance in tax burdens since Americans paid virtually no taxes despite having the highest per capita income in the civilized world.

Introduction of the Stamp Act

• King George III convinced Parliament to pass the Stamp Act as a means to collect taxes from the colonists.
• The Stamp Act imposed a direct tax on all printed material including:
  • Newspapers
  • Diplomas
  • Marriage licenses
  • Playing cards

Colonial Reaction

• The Stamp Act was perceived by colonists as another instance of "taxation without representation."
• Colonists felt they were already contributing through the Navigation Act, which restricted imports and exports.
• Colonists believed that their own representatives should determine tax amounts.

British Justification

• The British contended that most people in England weren't represented either, noting only 250,000 of 7 million people had the right to vote.

Protests and Boycotts

• Colonists began with petitions to Parliament.
• Demonstrations escalated:
  • Women led boycotts of British goods.
  • Vigilantes tarred and feathered those who refused to boycott.
  • Riots erupted in cities.
• Boycotts significantly impacted British merchants, leading to plummeting sales.

Outcome of the Stamp Act

• All colonial stamp agents resigned due to fear of mob violence.
• British merchants pressured Parliament to repeal the act.
• Benjamin Franklin played a pivotal role in advocating for repeal before the House of Commons.
• The Stamp Act was repealed, but King George III insisted on a declarative act asserting Parliament's right to tax Americans "in all circumstances whatsoever."

Aftermath

• While the specific Stamp Act was repealed, the declarative statement maintained the principle of Parliament's right to tax.
• Despite temporary order, the stage was set for ongoing colonial defiance and confrontation against British rule.