The Stamp Act
Tax on American Colonists that taxed all printed papers.
Stamp Act of 1765
On March 22, 1765 the British Parliament passed the Stamp Act. This act was the first law enforced on the American Colonists by the British government. The act taxed all printed papers; such as, legal documents, licenses, newspapers, other publications, and even playing cards were taxed. The reason for the British taxing the colonists was to collect money to pay for the debt from the Seven Years War. The colonists were told that the reason was to help protect and defend them. Even though the cost of the stamp was very small, it still angered the Colonists.
Stamps and British Seal
Tarring and Feathering
The colonists reaction to tax collectors.
Colonists Letter
Letter from a Colonists written to the British Government, concerning the Stamp Act
Colonists Reaction
Rage Turns into Riots
The colonists didn't find this act fair. The act was enforced upon them without the approval of the colonial legislatures. To rebel against the act, the colonists boycotted against British goods. Riots and attacks were very common towards the tax collectors. One of the most common ways of attack was tarring and feathering.
MLA Citations
"History.org: The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation's Official History and Citizenship Website." A Summary of the 1765 Stamp Act : The Colonial Williamsburg Official History & Citizenship Site. N.p., 2014. Web. 22 Sept. 2014.
"The Stamp Act." Ushistory.org. Independence Hall Association, n.d. Web. 22 Sept. 2014.
"Stamp Act." History.com. A&E Television Networks, n.d. Web. 22 Sept. 2014.
Borjas, Josue, and Roberto Turcios. "US American Revolution." : Enero 2011. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Sept. 2014.