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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 made, a fact of which British merchants were highly sensitive. After a year of protests, rioting and debating Parliament withdrew the Stamp Act, having grossly overestimated its own power and realizing the situation indeed had changed after the French-Indian war.
The commotion surrounding the Sugar Act and the Stamp Act was only the beginning of a more determined American oppositional movement. However, as soon became clear, Parliament failed to notice the underlying changes in the complex relationship between 'mother and children' and failed to adjust its own attitude. And so, within a year, the game was started all over again with the implementation of the Townshend Duties.
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