ARTIFACT

9-12

Teapot

An English-made teapot ca. 1766-1770 commemorates the repeal of the Stamp Act

Historical Period

The American Revolution and A New Nation

includes

10 Analysis questions 5 Vocabulary Words

contributing partner

English manufacturers, worried about losing the American market, welcomed the repeal of the Stamp Act in March of 1766. The creamware teapots produced to commemorate this repeal are primarily adorned with the phrases "No Stamp Act" and "America Liberty Restored," suggesting they were created after the Act was repealed, rather than as a protest against it. Colonial Williamsburg's teapot bears the inscription "No Stamp Act" on both sides, and its similarity to other known examples strongly indicates it was also made after March 1766.

Date Created:

1766-1770

Format:

Artifact

Materials and Measurements:

Lead-glazed earthenware (creamware)

Point of Origin:

Staffordshire, England; H: 5 1/4", W: 7 1/2", D: 4 1/4"

Object Identifier #:

1953-417,A&B

Download

Date Created:

1766-1770

Format:

Artifact

Materials and Measurements:

Lead-glazed earthenware (creamware)

Point of Origin:

Staffordshire, England; H: 5 1/4", W: 7 1/2", D: 4 1/4"

Object Identifier #:

1953-417,A&B

Export Slides & Handouts

This primary source is ready-to-go as a presentation for classroom facilitation with questions and vocabulary via Google.

Teapot

Viewing:

Analysis Questions

Foster inquiry and understanding with these source-specific questions, designed to be accessible even for those with limited background knowledge.

say hello to the source

1.

Have you seen something similar to this before?
2.

Are there any unusual features that stand out to you or that you’re curious about?
3.

What would you like to know about this object?

make observations

4.

Describe this object as if you are explaining to someone who can’t see it.
5.

What do you notice about the spout and handle?

interpret what you see

6.

This teapot was made between 1766 and 1770. What was happening at the time it was created?
7.

The Stamp Act of 1765 was the first direct tax on American colonists by the British Parliament, leading to widespread protests and its repeal in 1766. English manufacturers celebrated the repeal, as shown by this commemorative teapot, made in Staffordshire, England. Why might English manufacturers have celebrated the repeal of a tax they didn’t have to pay?

use it as evidence

8.

Who might have used, bought, or wanted this? Why do you think that?
9.

The Stamp Act was a tax on paper products. Why then would someone put “No Stamp Act” on a teapot?
10.

After the repeal of the Stamp Act, the conflict between the colonies and British Parliament continued, ultimately leading to the outbreak of the American Revolution nine years later. How might a colonist, frustrated by British policies, have felt when looking at this commemorative teapot in 1775?

Vocabulary

Use these related vocabulary terms to build students’ understanding and support more meaningful discussions and learning outcomes in your classroom.

Definition

refusing to buy, use, or participate in order to change something

Example

People started to boycott the store after it was revealed the store management did not treat their workers fairly.

Definition

to bring goods from one country into another country for sale

Example

The politician argued that the United States relies too much on imports from other countries and that more items should be manufactured in the country.

Definition

words written or engraved on the surface of an object or a page of a book

Example

The inscription on the book held by the Statue of Liberty includes Roman numerals that represent “July 4, 1776.”

Definition

the official act of revoking or withdrawing a law or tax

Example

After receiving many calls from their constituents, Congress voted to repeal the unpopular law.

Definition

money paid by people to the government

Example

The government has announced that they will increase taxes in order to pay for new infrastructure.