Stamp Act Congress

About Stamp Act Congress

The Stamp Act Congress met in New York City in October 1765, bringing together delegates from nine colonies. The Congress was the first intercolonial assembly in response to British taxation. The delegates drafted a Declaration of Rights and Grievances arguing that only colonial assemblies had the right to tax the colonists. The Declaration was sent to Parliament and the King. The Stamp Act Congress established the precedent of colonial cooperation against British taxation. The Sons of Liberty organized boycotts of British goods. British merchants, hurt by the boycotts, petitioned Parliament to repeal the Stamp Act. Parliament repealed the act in March 1766 but simultaneously passed the Declaratory Act, asserting its right to tax the colonies. The Stamp Act Congress was a direct precursor to the Continental Congresses.