How did Georgia react to the Stamp Act?
Georgia, like other colonies, had significant opposition to the Stamp Act. However, compared to some of the more populous colonies, the reaction in Georgia was somewhat more restrained.
The colony did not have as strong a tradition of representative government and political activism as some of the larger colonies, so there were fewer organized protests and demonstrations. Furthermore, Georgia was a relatively new colony with a smaller population and fewer resources, making it more vulnerable economically.
Nevertheless, there were still some protests and acts of resistance. The Georgia Gazette, the colony's only newspaper, was divided on the issue. Some articles criticized the Stamp Act and urged resistance, while others called for compliance with the law.
In 1765, a group of patriots known as the "Sons of Liberty" formed in Savannah to oppose the Stamp Act. They staged public meetings and circulated petitions against the act. However, these actions were not as widespread or as intense as in other colonies.
Part of the reason for the more restrained reaction was the influence of Georgia's royal governor, James Wright. Wright was a staunch supporter of Britain and worked to ensure that the Stamp Act was enforced in the colony. He established a colonial stamp office and appointed stamp distributors to carry out the act. His actions, combined with the relatively small population and less developed political infrastructure, contributed to a generally more moderate response in Georgia.
Overall, while there was opposition and some acts of resistance, the reaction to the Stamp Act in Georgia was not as intense or widespread as in some of the other colonies.