The Stamp Act of 1765 was the first direct tax imposed on the 13 American colonies by the Parliament of Great Britain. It required the colonists to pay a tax on all printed materials including newspapers, legal documents, magazines, and playing cards. This triggered a wave of resistance across the colonies and helped spark the American Revolution (c. 1765-1789).
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Definition
Timeline
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22 Mar 1765The Stamp Act of 1765 is approved by Parliament and King George III, sparking protest in the American colonies.
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31 May 1765The Virginia House of Burgesses passes the Virginia Resolves, asserting the colonists' rights as Englishmen and denying Parliament's authority to tax them.
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14 Aug 1765In Boston, Massachusetts, a mob attacks the home of stamp distributor Andrew Oliver in protest of the Stamp Act; this marks the birth of the Sons of Liberty.
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26 Aug 1765The home of Massachusetts Lt. Governor Thomas Hutchinson is ransacked by a mob in opposition to the Stamp Act; similar violence occurs in other colonies.
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7 Oct 1765 - 25 Oct 1765The Stamp Act Congress meets in New York City to protest the Stamp Act; a Declaration of Rights and Grievances is issued.
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18 Mar 1766The unpopular Stamp Act is repealed by an act of Parliament .
