The Stamp Act was passed on March 22, 1765, by the British Parliament to defray the expenses incurred during the French and Indian War.

This act required that stamps, purchased from the British government, must be on all imported documents, periodicals, almanacs, pamphlets and playing cards.

This act was to pay off the debt incurred during the French and Indian War. The revenue from this act would pay for the upkeep of the troops stationed in the Colonies.

These troops would prevent France from recovering Canada and defend the Colonies against the Indians. Most Englishmen, especially the London merchants, thought it only right that the Colonies should help pay for the support of these troops.

This tax aroused great opposition among the colonists for three reasons:
1. The Colonists thought they should not be taxed except by their own representatives.
2. They opposed the presence of British troops.
3. The tax had to be paid in silver.

Sources:

• See Below

 Links:

• The Stamp Act: An Attempt to Defray the Expense of War
• James Otis on the Stamp Act An Oration Delivered Before the Governor and Council In Boston, December 20, 1765.
• Resolutions of the Stamp Act Congress
• Patrick Henry and the Stamp Act
• The Virginia Resolves on the Stamp Act May 29, 1765
• Stamp Act of 1765