I chose to read about Benjamin Franklin, Testimony Against the Stamp Act.

Benjamin Franklin
was born on January 17, 1706, Boston, MA. He had died on April 17, 1790, Philadelphia, PA.
He has been labeled many things in his life, such as an author, politician, scientist, diplomat,
printer, inventor, etc. Franklin had taken taken a diplomatic trip to England. On behalf of the
colonists, he made a testimony before parliament stating to revoke the Stamp Act. He argued
that it would be in the best interest for everyone if the Stamp Act was repealed. The Stamp Act
of 1765, which was passed by Parliament, had been created to collect revenue from the
colonies to pay off Englands Seven Years of War debt. It was the first direct tax on internal
commerce. It required the payment of tax on every piece of printed paper. Such as newspapers,
legal documents, playing cards, etc. The requirement of this act had greatly affected many
people.
During Franklins testimony he is asked many questions. In a way he was seen as the
representative for the colonies. The questions asked included: What is your opinion of a future
tax, imposed on the same principle with that of the Stamp Act? How would Americans receive
it? Are not the colonies, from their circumstances, very able to pay the stamp duty? Do you
think it right that America should be protected by this country and pay no part of the expense?
Although, there is one specific question, as well as its answer, that had particularly made it clear
to the parliament that the people will not accept this tax unless with force. This question was "Do
you think the people of America would submit to pay the stamp duty. If it was moderated?
Benjamin replied saying "No, never, unless compelled by arms.
--Where does Franklin lay the blame should violence emerge from the stamp act controversy?
Why?
As for where Franklin lays the blame should violence emerge from the Stamp Act controversy,
he blamed the parliament. He blames the British parliament because they continued to enforce
the rules of paying taxes even when colonists were unable to pay them.
--According to Franklin, what kinds of action are the colonists ready to take to pretes the levying
of internal taxes by parliament?
According to Franklin, the actions the colonist are ready to take to pretest the levying of internal
taxes by Parliament would include not wearing imported clothing ever again. Their decision was
to not buy English products. They would boycott English products, thus leading to a huge
financial loss.
In all, Benjamin Franklins trip to England had a big contribution to the repeal of the Stamp Act.
His testimony Also the protests that went on for four months played a big part as well. On
March 18th, 1766 the Stamp act was repealed. However, on that same the Parliament had also
passed the Declaratory Acts. This act enforced that the British government had total legislative
power over the colonies.