Alejandro Gallegos

History
Lubisich
07/05/2016
Document Interpretation 3: Taxation without Representation
During the 1760, Britains national debt laid heavily on the empire resulting from the
Seven Years War. After the British government failed to find a solution, George Grenville, the
finance minister, realized that the colonies had to contribute financially to the very expensive,
and very disliked by the colonials, army stationed in America. On top of all of the taxes that
Britain imposed on the colonies, they now were expected to raise revenue for Britain. The Stamp
Act of 1765, which placed a tax on newspapers and printed materials produced in the colonies,
sparked political debate, unity against the bill, and riots among all the colonies in America. This
tax, along with other taxes, was part of a larger problem with the colonies that felt they shouldnt
be taxed by a government that was not chosen by them, nor that represents them. Colonials felt
enslaved by Britain. Benjamin Franklin, the representative of the colonies of Pennsylvania,
Massachusetts, New Jersey, and George, strongly opposed the stamp act, and testified before
Parliament against the Stamp Act.
Benjamin Franklin testimony gives a first-hand look from a high level profile colonial
official of the colonials frustration of the Stamp Act. The document shows how committed and
unified the Americans where against the Stamp Act. When asked if colonials would start paying
the tax even though it was moderated, Franklin responds, No, never, unless compelled by force
of arms..... Surprised by his response, Parliament suggests that if indeed military force was sent
to America, if then, would colonials obey the Stamp Act. Franklins replies, Suppose a military
force sent into America; they will find nobody in arms; what are they then to do? They cannot

force a man to take stamps who chooses to do without them. They will not find a rebellion; they
may indeed make one.. This implies that the American colonies arent waiting or relying on
violence to solve this matter, yet if provoked by the military once they are there, there very well
might be a pushback from colonials, and violence may erupt.
Colonials unity and commitment to America also is apparent when Franklin is asked
what colonials would do if the act is not repealed. He responds with a direct attack on the British
economy by boycotting all British goods and total loss of respect from Britain. Franklin explains
that goods from Britain are ..either necessaries, mere conveniences, or superfluities. Colonials
were ready and willing to make their own clothes and sacrifice their way of living in order to
hurt Britain commerce. The Stamp Act and the events that followed unified colonials even more
and would pave the road for further conflict with the British leadership leading up to complete
independence from Britain.