March 18th 1766 - Repeal of the Stamp Act. Passed a year earlier by the English Parliament, the law immediately raised the ire of the colonists in America. All printed materials, including newspapers and playing cards, were required to be emblazoned with a purchased stamp. The reason for the tax was to pay for British troops stationed in the colonies. The act was met with protests, resistance to pay, boycott of British goods, and even mob violence. Opinion in English Parliament was divided with some wanting the military to force adherence to the law. However many merchants in England relied heavily on their trade with America and they opposed force. Benjamin Franklin, testifying before Parliament, responding to the question on how the colonists would react if the act was not repealed, said this: "A total loss of the respect and affection the people of America bear to this country, and of all the commerce that depends on that respect and affection."
This Day in History
This Day in History
This Day in History
March 18th 1766 - Repeal of the Stamp Act. Passed a year earlier by the English Parliament, the law immediately raised the ire of the colonists in America. All printed materials, including newspapers and playing cards, were required to be emblazoned with a purchased stamp. The reason for the tax was to pay for British troops stationed in the colonies. The act was met with protests, resistance to pay, boycott of British goods, and even mob violence. Opinion in English Parliament was divided with some wanting the military to force adherence to the law. However many merchants in England relied heavily on their trade with America and they opposed force. Benjamin Franklin, testifying before Parliament, responding to the question on how the colonists would react if the act was not repealed, said this: "A total loss of the respect and affection the people of America bear to this country, and of all the commerce that depends on that respect and affection."