The Stamp Act
Passed on March 22, 1765
What the Act Did
Imposed a direct tax on Colonies of British America
Required that printed materials be produced on stamped papers
Was to help pay for troops in North America after the British victory in the Seven Years' War
How the Colonists Responded
Many Colonists considered it a violation of their rights
Colonial assemblies sent petitions and protests
Petitioned Parliament and the King
Demonstrations initiated by the Sons of Liberty often turned violent and destructive