The Declaratory Act Text and its Significance in British-American History

The Declaratory Act was a law passed by the British Parliament in 1766, after the repeal of the infamous Stamp Act. The Declaratory Act was a statement of the British government’s power and authority over its colonies in North America. It was meant to assert the right of Parliament to pass laws that were binding on the colonies, despite the colonists’ belief that they had the right to govern themselves.

The Declaratory Act represented a significant shift in British colonial policy. Until that point, the British government had largely left the colonies to govern themselves. The passage of the Declaratory Act marked a turning point in the relationship between the colonies and Great Britain, and set the stage for the events that would eventually lead to the American Revolution.

Origins of the Declaratory Act

The origins of the Declaratory Act go back to the end of the Seven Years’ War in 1763. This war had been fought between Britain and France over control of North America. Great Britain emerged victorious, but the war had been costly, and the British government was deeply in debt.

To raise revenue to pay off its debts, the British government began to impose new taxes on the American colonies. The most famous of these new taxes was the Stamp Act, which was passed in 1765. This law required colonists to purchase and use special stamped paper for all legal documents, newspapers, and other printed materials.

The colonists were outraged by the Stamp Act, and responded with protests and boycotts. In response to this pressure, the British Parliament repealed the Stamp Act in 1766. However, at the same time, Parliament passed the Declaratory Act, which asserted the right of Parliament to pass laws that were binding on the colonies.

Text of the Declaratory Act

The text of the Declaratory Act reads as follows:

“An Act for the better securing the Dependence of His Majesty’s Dominions in America upon the Crown and Parliament of Great Britain.”

“Whereas several of the houses of assembly in his Majesty’s colonies and plantations in America, have of late, against law, claimed to themselves, or to the general assembly of the same, the sole and exclusive right of imposing duties and taxes upon his Majesty’s subjects in the said colonies, and have by such unwarrantable pretensions, and illegal combinations, endeavoured to obstruct the due course of justice, and to intimidate and prevent his Majesty’s faithful subjects in Great Britain from undertaking or prosecuting lawful trade and commerce with his Majesty’s subjects in the said colonies: And whereas such duties and taxes, as have been laid by the authority of his Majesty’s parliament, upon sugar, wine, molasses, syrups, and coffee, have been found by experience, to be in part paid by the consumers there, and not by the producers, and have therefore been several times renewed, and continued by the authority of parliament:”

“Be it declared … That Parliament may of right make laws … to bind the colonies and people of America … in all cases whatsoever.”

The Declaratory Act was passed by the British Parliament on March 18, 1766. It was a clear statement of the British government’s intention to maintain its authority over the American colonies, and to assert its right to pass laws that were binding on the colonies.

Impact of the Declaratory Act

The impact of the Declaratory Act was immediate and significant. It was a clear statement of the British government’s power and authority over the American colonies. It also set the stage for future conflicts between the colonists and the British government.

The Declaratory Act was widely seen by the colonists as an unjust and oppressive law. It was seen as an infringement on their rights and freedoms, and as a warning of further British attempts to control and exploit the colonies.

In the years that followed the passage of the Declaratory Act, tensions between the colonists and the British government continued to rise. The British government continued to pass new laws and taxes that were seen as unjust and oppressive, and the colonists continued to push back against these efforts.

The Declaratory Act also played a role in the events that led up to the American Revolution. The law was a clear indication of the British government’s intentions to maintain its authority over the colonies, and to assert its right to pass laws that were binding on them. This further fueled the colonists’ desire for independence and autonomy.

Legacy of the Declaratory Act

The legacy of the Declaratory Act is still felt today. The law played a significant role in the events that led up to the American Revolution, and its passage marked a turning point in British colonial policy.

In the years that followed the American Revolution, the Declaratory Act was increasingly seen as a symbol of British oppression and tyranny. It became a rallying cry for American patriots, who saw the act as a clear indication of the British government’s intentions to maintain its authority over the colonies and to deny them their rights and freedoms.

Today, the Declaratory Act is remembered as an important moment in British-American history. It serves as a reminder of the struggle for independence and freedom that defined the early years of the United States, and of the importance of standing up for one’s rights and beliefs in the face of oppression and tyranny.

Conclusion

The Declaratory Act was a significant moment in British-American history, and a turning point in the relationship between the colonies and Great Britain. The law asserted the right of Parliament to pass laws that were binding on the colonies, and marked the beginning of a period of increased tension and conflict between the colonists and the British government.

Today, the Declaratory Act serves as a reminder of the importance of standing up for one’s rights and beliefs, and of the struggle for independence and freedom that defined the early years of the United States. It is an important part of our country’s history, and a reminder of the enduring spirit of resilience, perseverance, and determination that has defined our nation since its founding.

March 18, 1766

AN ACT for the better securing the dependency of his Majesty’s dominions in America upon the crown and parliament of Great Britain.

WHEREAS several of the houses of representatives in his Majesty’s colonies and plantations in America, have of late, against law, claimed to themselves, or to the general assemblies of the same, the sole and exclusive right of imposing duties and taxes upon his Majesty’s subjects in the said colonies and plantations; and have, in pursuance of such claim, passed certain votes, resolutions, and orders, derogatory to the legislative authority of parliament, and inconsistent with the dependency of the said colonies and plantations upon the crown of Great Britain: … be it declared …,

That the said colonies and plantations in America have been, are, and of right ought to be. subordinate unto, and dependent upon the imperial crown and parliament of Great Britain; and that the King’s majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the lords spiritual and temporal, and commons of Great Britain, in parliament assembled, had, hash, and of right ought to have, full power and authority to make laws and statutes of sufficient force and validity to bind the colonies and people of America, subjects of the crown of Great Britain, in all cases whatsoever.

II. And be it further declared …, That all resolutions, votes, orders, and proceedings, in any of the said colonies or plantations, whereby the power and authority of the parliament of Great Britain, to make laws and statutes as aforesaid, is denied, or drawn into question, are, and are hereby declared to be, utterly null and void to all intents and purposes whatsoever.