![]() ![]() The Stamp Act Congress would have a major ripple effect on the coming American Revolution.įirst, this was a united, inter-colonial meeting in protest of actions taken by Parliament. The Declaratory Act stated that, even though they were removing the tax on paper, Great Britain could still tax the colonies, ‘in all cases whatsoever.’ It was a ‘fine we’ll stop but only cause we want to’ moment. Upon repeal, Parliament replaced the Stamp Act with the Declaratory Act. ![]() They used the adverse economic effect the Acts were having on trade to repeal the taxes. However, certain unpopular leaders of the government took the opportunity to gain the support of unhappy merchants. Both Houses of Parliament refused to even consider the document. To say the Stamp Act Congress didn’t go over well in England is an understatement. The last document went to the House of Commons and said they were awful and needed to shape up (I’m paraphrasing of course). Another document went to the House of Lords to inform them they were doing well but needed to make some corrections. One document went to the King to inform him he was doing a great job. It raised support and formulated a coherent argument for why the all the new taxes were unjustifiable.Īdditionally, the delegates sent three documents to London. Primarily authored by John Dickinson, this document was meant for publication across the colonies. The first document was the Declaration of Rights and Grievances. In the two weeks of the Congress, the delegates published four documents. Interestingly, the additional five British colonies of Canada and Florida were invited but did not attend. The absent colonies were New Hampshire, Virginia, North Carolina and Georgia. The colonies that did not attend were either not ready to disobey their Governor, had more pressing business, or did not feel it was necessary. Most of the Assemblies selected their delegates behind the Governor's back. Only nine colonies sent representatives, often with much resistance from the Royal Governors. The Stamp Act Congress met in New York City from October 7 to 25, 1765. This extraordinarily influential meeting came to be known as the Stamp Act Congress. It was the first inkling of rebellious activity. In response, the first extra-legal gathering of leaders from multiple colonies was called together. Notably, lawyers became particularly angry at this tax. People of every walk of life suffered from these regulations. Suddenly, the taxes were not just affecting merchants. They would need to get an official stamp on the paper when they paid the tax. The Stamp Act stated that the colonies needed to pay a tax on the use of paper. That’s when the government instituted the most inflammatory act yet…the Stamp Act. For the first time, the colonists united to share one voice in protest to what they saw as unconstitutional actions taken by Parliament.Īfter Parliament passed the Sugar and Currency Acts, the colonists were frustrated. The Stamp Act Congress was one of the most important events in the build up to the American Revolution.
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