1766

1766 was a year in the 18th century marked by ongoing colonial relations, scientific progress, and political development within the Atlantic world. It occurred during a period of mercantile policy and Enlightenment thought that shaped European and colonial governance, economy, and intellectual life.

On March 18, 1766, the Parliament of Great Britain repealed the Stamp Act of 1765 in response to widespread colonial protests and simultaneously passed the Declaratory Act, which asserted Parliament's authority to legislate for the American colonies “in all cases whatsoever.” The repeal reduced immediate tensions over taxation in the colonies but did not resolve broader disputes over representation and governance that would persist in the years ahead.

Beyond Britain, the year reflected the broader geopolitical and economic context of the era, with imperial powers maintaining colonial networks and pursuing reforms in administration, finance, and trade. The period continued to be shaped by Enlightenment ideas and the gradual evolution of political and economic concepts that would influence policy and international relations in the decades that followed.