Final Answer:
The repeal of the Stamp Act in 1766 was driven by the British government's understanding of the volatile situation in the colonies and a strategic decision to address colonial grievances, opting for a more conciliatory approach to avoid escalating tensions. Thus the Correct answer is b) The British government's recognition of colonial grievances and efforts to ease tensions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The repeal of the Stamp Act in 1766 can be primarily attributed to the British government's acknowledgment of colonial grievances and a strategic move to alleviate tensions with the American colonies. The Stamp Act, imposed on the colonies to raise revenue, had faced vehement opposition and protests from the colonists who saw it as a violation of their rights. In response to the widespread resistance and recognizing the potential for increased unrest, the British government, under Prime Minister Charles Townshend, decided to repeal the Act. This decision aimed at de-escalating tensions and maintaining a more stable relationship with the American colonies.
The repeal was not solely a result of economic considerations or pressure from British merchants, as option (a) might suggest. While economic factors played a role, the core reason lay in the political realization that the Stamp Act had become a catalyst for growing dissatisfaction and colonial resistance. The British government, through repealing the Act, sought to mend relations and restore a sense of order. This diplomatic move was crucial in preventing further discord and contributed to the broader historical context that eventually led to the American Revolution.
So, the Correct answer is b) The British government's recognition of colonial grievances and efforts to ease tensions.