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The American Revolution
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In several cities, mobs prevented the distribution of stamped paper.
Rioters also destroyed the homes and offices of royally appointed stamp
commissioners.
Glimmers of Unity
In June, the Massachusetts assembly had sent a letter to the assemblies
of the other colonies. It called for a meeting to discuss the Stamp Act.
Nine of the 13 colonies sent representatives to the meeting. Called the
Stamp Act Congress, it convened in New York City in early October.
The mere fact that the Stamp Act Congress took place was signifi-
cant. The colonies weren’t accustomed to working together. As yet,
colonists had no sense of belonging to an American nation that was
distinct from Great Britain. Colonists considered themselves British
subjects first and foremost. Beyond that, they tended to identify strongly
with their particular colony. So, for example, Virginians were unlikely
to recognize that they had much in common with New Yorkers or
Rhode Islanders.
But
delegates
to the Stamp Act Congress put aside their differences.
After nearly two weeks of discussion and debate, they approved a docu-
ment known as the Declaration of Rights. It expressed the colonists’
“sincere devotion” to King George but systematically laid out their case
against the Stamp Act. Petitions were drafted asking Parliament and
the king to repeal the act. The Stamp Act Congress finished its work
on October 25.
One week later, the Stamp Act went into effect. But not a single
penny was collected from the stamp tax anywhere in the colonies.
Threats and mob violence had convinced every stamp commissioner
to give up his post.
Weeks passed, then months. The impasse continued. Finally, on
March 18, 1766, Parliament voted to repeal the Stamp Act. In the
colonies, news of the repeal was greeted with jubilation. There would