The Stamp Act and the Sugar Act

But Parliament misjudged the sentiments in the American colonies as well as its own power. Parliamentary supremacy over America seemed natural to all parties involved at the other side of the ocean. But opposition against the Stamp Act once implemented was strong and violent. Almost all assemblies in the colonies challenged the right of the British, to tax the territories. Incidents were reported all over and preparations for the boycot of English goods were being …

…that divided the twenty-seven delegates was wether to modify the rebelious tone of their denial of Parliament's authority to tax; this could be done by acknowledging explicitly what authority Parliament did have over the colonies. In the end this proved to be impossible because the more radical delegates were afraid of conceding too much. The extent of the concession they were willing to make is registered in the rather vague wording of the first resolution.