The Stamp Act and the Townshend Acts

The Stamp Act of 1765 The Stamp Act increased tension between

Britain and the colonies. This law required all documents to carry an

official stamp showing that a tax had been paid.

Diplomas, newspapers, contracts, and wills had to carry a stamp.

Colonists protest!!!!

Colonial leaders vigorously protested. They were being taxed without

their consent by a Parliament in which they had no voice.

If Britain could pass the Stamp Act, what other taxes might it pass in the future?

The Colonies take action

Colonial assemblies and newspapers took up the cry—“No taxation without representation!”

In October 1765, nine colonies sent delegates to the Stamp Act Congress in New York City.

This was the first time the colonies met to consider acting together in protest.

The petition declared that the right to tax the colonies belonged to the colonial assemblies, not to Parliament.

Colonial merchants organized a boycott or a refusal to buy British goods.

More Taxes for the colonists? After a long debate over

the colonies, with the help of Charles Townshend, the Parliament passes the Townshend Acts.

The act placed taxes on goods like glass, paper, paint, lead, and tea.

The taxes were low but colonists objected because of taxation without representation.

New Laws made from the Townshend Acts….

Using legal documents, known as writs of assistance, customs officials could inspect a ships cargo without a reason.

The colonists say that this violates their rights as a British citizen.

Colonist Reaction

Nonimportation agreements-promise to stop importing goods taxed by Townshend Acts

Daughters of Liberty Women organize to get American made

products Colonist boycotts hurt British

businesses Townshend Acts is repealed in 1770

Keep the tax on Tea