America: 1763-1776

Study Guide

Summary

Colonial Opposition to the Stamp Act

Save

Summary Colonial Opposition to the Stamp Act

Because the Declaratory Act's wording was vague, colonists chose to interpret it to their advantage. They saw it as a way for Parliament to save face after the Stamp Act had failed, and did not consider it to be a threat. However, Parliament chose to interpret the act broadly, to mean that the colonies could not claim exemption from any Parliamentary measure, including taxation. This fundamental disagreement would be the source of much future disagreement.

Despite the difficulties of 1765, most colonists soon put the year's strife behind them, and thanked king and Parliament for repealing the Stamp Act. The vast majority of the colonists still felt a deep emotional loyalty to Britain, but after 1765, they viewed the government in London with a higher level of scrutiny.

Previous page Colonial Opposition to the Stamp Act page 2 Next section Further Impositions: The Quartering Act and the Townshend Duties