Stamp Act of 1765 - 1867 Words

Taxation without Representation Ryan Vote March 8, 2010 U.S. History It can easily be said that the Stamp Act of 1765 was the beginning of the revolution for the colonies of North America. Before the Stamp Act, there were other failed attempts to tax the colonies by the British parliament. Each attempt to gain money from the colonies was unlawful because there was a lack of representation from Parliament. The Stamp Act of 1765 was very detailed and expensive for the colonists. The Stamp Act was the final act of taxation by Parliament before the colonies started to fight back and seek independence from Britain. Britain was struggling with a growing debt from previous wars. For example, the French and Indian War that lasted from 1756†¦show more content†¦Colonial lumber (a big export of the colonies because there was so much) was now only allowed to export to Great Britain. ‘Though from there it could be reshipped, the increased costs might well destroy the trade† (Morgan, 29). Moreover, there were also new wine duties and an abolition of drawbacks on foreign textiles. The colonists were shocked and upset at the high taxes being imposed upon them. It seemed that all the colonists’ money-making exports were being taxed. â€Å"The old solution of smuggling was no longer practical, for the risk of seizure was so great that the added cost of smuggling would have the same effect as the payment of duties† (Morgan, 29). The British Navy residing in America made sure that every tax was collected, even for the smallest load. The colonists found that the navy was extremely strict and un-bending to even loads being sent over rivers. Every ship was found by the Navy in need of a seize and detain method. The American merchants started to fight back. ‘They boycotted pilots who brought naval vessels into port, offered mates and midshipmen higher wages than the Navy was allowed to pay, and raised howling mobs† (Morgan, 30). Afterwards, Parliament prohibited paper money as legal tender and the colonists feared that they would have to go back to bartering. A small outcry of unconstitutionalism started in Boston in mid 1764. James Otis published a pamphlet of colonial rights â€Å"arguing that nature andShow MoreRelatedThe Stamp Act Of 17651517 Words   |  7 Pages When the Stamp Act of 1765 was passed in the Thirteen Colonies, the colonists were compelled to rethink their loyalty and standing with the British monarchy. The Stamp Act would be the first actual tax levied upon the colonists, which caused outrage in the Thirteen Colonies. The act would place a tax on any document and printed paper that they used: such as legal documents, newspapers, and licenses. All thirteen colonies did not agree that the tax was passed with legality and refused to acknowledgeRead MoreThe Many Causes of the American Revolution Essay848 Words   |  4 PagesThere were many causes that brought on the start of the American Revolution. 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