United States History Student Edition

C “The repeal, or the funeral of Miss Americ-Stamp” The American colonists’ boycott of British goods in response to the Stamp Act hurt British merchants. By March 1766, Parliament agreed to repeal the Stamp Act. This political cartoon from 1766 is titled “The repeal, or the funeral of Miss Americ-Stamp” and shows a mock funeral for the legislation. Supporters of the act (among them, past British prime minister, George Grenville) march toward an open vault while holding a small coffin and two flags that show their votes against repeal. The three ships in the background—named for the leaders of the repeal—show that British goods are once again ready to be shipped to the North American colonies.

PRIMARY SOURCE: POLITICAL CARTOON

EXAMINE THE SOURCE 1. Analyzing What do you think is the mood of the cartoon? Is it meant to be serious or comical? Explain. 2. Inferring Why do you think the cartoonist chose to set the funeral procession at the waterfront?

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The American Revolution 123