The Stamp Act in Quebec

Type of resource
Author/collaborator
Title
The Stamp Act in Quebec
Abstract
An examination of reactions in Quebec to the Stamp Act, illustrated by editorial references and correspondence published in the Quebec Gazette. The Stamp Act of 1765 imposed a direct tax by the British Parliament on the colonies of British America, and it required that many printed materials in the colonies be produced on stamped paper produced in London, carrying an embossed revenue stamp. These printed materials were legal documents, magazines, newspapers and many other types of paper used throughout the colonies. The purpose of the tax was to help pay for troops stationed in North America after the British victory over the French in the Seven Years' War. The British government felt that the colonies were the primary beneficiaries of this military presence, and should pay at least a portion of the expense. The Stamp Act met great resistance in the colonies, especially in the southern thirteen colonies. It was repealed on March 18, 1766. On the day the Act came into force, the Quebec Gazette ceased printing and did not resume again until March 29, 1766. The paper's first editorial on resumption described the Stamp Act as "more dreadful than the icy chains of our inhospitable winter..."
Publication
English Historical Review
Volume
Vol. 47
Issue
no. 188
Pages
648-651
Date
October 1932
Language
en
Citation
Kerr, W. B. “The Stamp Act in Quebec.” English Historical Review Vol. 47, no. 188 (October 1932): 648–651.
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