ID: Stamp Act
When: March 22, 1765
Who:
- Great Britain: Parliament imposed the act.
- American Colonists: Primarily affected by the tax.
What:
An act passed by the British Parliament that imposed a direct tax on the American colonies. It required colonists to purchase special stamped paper for various documents and publications, including newspapers, legal documents, and playing cards.
Impact: Why Significant?:
- Colonial Resistance: The Stamp Act sparked widespread protests and boycotts throughout the American colonies. Groups like the Sons of Liberty organized protests and demonstrations.
- “No Taxation Without Representation”: The act fueled the cry of “No taxation without representation,” highlighting the colonists’ anger at being taxed by a government in which they had no direct voice.
- Increased Tensions: The Stamp Act significantly escalated tensions between Great Britain and its American colonies, contributing to the growing divide that eventually led to the American Revolution.
- Repeal (1766): Due to the intense colonial resistance and economic disruption, the Stamp Act was repealed in 1766, though the Declaratory Act was passed simultaneously, asserting Parliament’s right to tax the colonies.
- Long-Term Impact: The Stamp Act’s legacy lies in its contribution to the development of colonial identity and the growing sentiment for independence from British rule. It served as a key event in the chain of events leading up to the American Revolution.