Page 146 - American Stories, A History of the United States

the Declaratory Act, a shrill defense of its supremacy over the Americans “in all cases
whatsoever.” The colonists’ insistence on no taxation without representation failed 5.1
to impress British rulers. British merchants, supposedly America’s allies, claimed sole
responsibility for the Stamp Act repeal. The colonists’ behavior had only complicated
the task, the merchants lectured. If the Americans knew what was good for them, they 5.2
would keep quiet.
The Stamp Act crisis eroded the colonists’ respect for imperial officeholders in
America. Suddenly, these men—royal governors, customs collectors, soldiers— 5.3
appeared alien, as if their interests were not those of the people over whom they exer-
cised authority. One person who had been forced to resign as stamp distributor for
South Carolina noted: “The Stamp Act had introduc’d so much Party Rage, Faction, Quick Check 5.4
and Debate that the ancient Harmony, Generosity, and Urbanity for which these Was the repeal of the Stamp Act a
People were celebrated is destroyed, and at an End.” victory for the American cause?

Fueling the crisis
Charles Townshend, the new chancellor of the exchequer, claimed he could solve the
American controversy. In January 1767, he surprised everyone by blithely announcing
that he knew a way to obtain revenue from the Americans. The members of the House
of Commons were so pleased with the news that they voted to lower taxes in Britain,
an action that threatened fiscal chaos.

dauGhTERs oF liBERTy the boycott movement drew many colonial women into popular politics. in this
1774 woodcut, a Daughter of Liberty stands ready to resist british oppression.
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