USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -The American colonists were angered by the Stamp Act and quickly acted to oppose it. Because of the colonies’ sheer distance from London, the epicenter of British politics, a direct appeal to Parliament was almost impossible. Instead, the colonists made clear their opposition by simply refusing to pay the tax.

Detailed explanation-2: -The colonists felt put upon because of Britain’s many attempts to levy taxes on them. Colonial Americans believed that taxation without direct representation in Parliament made them not citizens of Britain, but a subjugated people like the Irish.

Detailed explanation-3: -The English felt that the colonists should pay taxes because the English government was providing services that the colonists would otherwise have had to do without. The Americans felt the taxes were unfair because they were being imposed by a government in which the colonists had no “voice."

Detailed explanation-4: -They believed that it was unfair to have Parliament make the Americans pay taxes when they had no say in the decision. Most colonial governments were headed by governors appointed by Britain, rather than people elected by Americans. Many felt that they should not be taxed unless they had a representative in Parliament.

Detailed explanation-5: -A year later, in 1765, the Stamp Act was passed. This placed a tax on all printed materials such as newspapers, magazines, and legal documents. Even playing cards and pamphlets needed an official tax stamp. This created an outrage among the colonists and many began protesting the acts.