STAMP ACT

Stamp Act

Stamp Act

Introduction

The Stamp Act was in the form of a direct tax that was imposed by British Parliament. This tax was imposed on the colonies of British America. The Stamp Act was presented in 1765. The Stamp Act stated that an average tax payer should pay 26 shillings per year. The average colonist used to pay half shilling (Morgan and Morgan, 1995). The tax was imposed on American colonies to overcome the burden of post-war expenditures. In order to reduce the burden, Prime Minister Grenville decided to increase the tax load. It resulted in the formation and implementation of Stamp Act.

Discussion

Background of the Act

In 1765, a number of Americans were stormed out of their homes. The Americans were not contended with the Great Britain. At that time, the British government was controlling thirteen colonies of America.

The British won the French and Indian War at a huge financial cost. It resulted in an increase in the British national debt. In addition, British were also under the burden of post-war expenditures. In addition, the ministry had decided to keep approximately ten thousand soldiers in American colonies (Burgan, 2005).

Who Was Involved in the Stamp Act?

In 1763, George Grenville became the Prime Minister. Before George Grenville became the Prime Minister, the Bute Ministry had planned to place army in North America. After coming into charge, Grenville started to consider diverse options to pay for this army. It was not possible for him to increase taxes that have been imposed already. It is because the public was already aggressive due to the cider tax (Poole & Hunt, 1905). Eventually, Greenville decided to impose a tax on colonists in order to generate revenue. The tax that he introduced was imposed on documents. The Stamp Act required all American colonies to pay tax on all kinds of documents including papers and playing cards.

The Stamp Act

In 1765, the Britain Parliament passed the Stamp Act. The Act was imposed on British colonies. The Stamp Act was inflicted on printed documents including newspapers, diplomas, licenses, and contracts. The effective date of the Act was 1st November, 1765. It was believed that the high tax on students and lawyers would limit them from attaining educational growth. The Stamp Act was required people to purchase sterling along with the stamps. It further increased the burden on colonists. The sterling was scarce.

The aspects of the Stamp Act that gained enough attention included tax on court documents. The tax was also imposed on courts exercising ecclesiastical jurisdiction. The Stamp Act also allowed courts to try violators.

Where the Stamp Act Was Passed?

The Act was passed in the House of Commons. The highest tax was imposed on the licenses of attorneys.

Opposition

One of the greatest defenders of colonists in England was William Pitt. According to the argument of William Pitts, it is unfair to impose a tax on colonists without representation in Parliament. Grenville and his followers also agreed with Pitt. They also argued that Americans share the same ...