Stamp Act Repealed

March 18, 1766

Colonial boycotts had hurt British merchants; Parliament backed down. But the same day it passed a Declaratory Act asserting the right to legislate for America 'in all cases whatsoever.' Americans cheered the repeal and read past the declaration. The lesson they learned: resistance works. New York erected a statue of George III in gratitude, which the Sons of Liberty would melt into musket balls a decade later.