The Stamp Act and the Townshend Acts

1. The Stamp Act and the Townshend Acts

2. 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.

3. 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?

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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Liberty • Women organize to get American made products • Colonist boycotts hurt British businesses • Townshend Acts is repealed in 1770 • Keep the tax on Tea