The Stamp Act

Definition

The Stamp Act was a law passed by the British Parliament in 1765 that required colonists to pay a tax on printed materials such as newspapers, legal documents, and playing cards.

Related terms

Sons of Liberty: A secret organization formed by American colonists to oppose the Stamp Act and other oppressive British policies.

Taxation without Representation: The idea that imposing taxes on the American colonies without their consent or representation in Parliament was unjust.

Declaratory Act: An act passed by Parliament in 1766 asserting its right to make laws binding on the American colonies "in all cases whatsoever" after repealing the Stamp Act.