2. Historical development: The Stamp Act resistance

Historical developments and consequences

Parliament imposed a stamp duty in 1765. Colonial assemblies and merchants organized petitions, boycotts and public demonstrations; Parliament repealed the tax in 1766 while asserting legislative supremacy.

The dispute focused attention on consent to taxation, representation and the limits of parliamentary authority.

Original historical article · Authorities & decisions

Parliament enacted the Stamp Act in 1765, imposing duties on printed materials in British North America. Prime Minister George Grenville promoted the measure; colonial assemblies, merchants and protest organizations resisted it.