American Revolution: Stamp Act in Effect

November 1, 1765 - The Stamp Act of 1765 takes effect. The Stamp Act was an attempt on the part of Parliament to raise taxes to fund the maintenance of British troops in North America after the French & Indian War. In operation, the Stamp Act called for a tax stamp to be affixed to many paper products and related goods. Widely opposed by the American colonists, the Stamp Act saw the rise of the term "taxation without representation" as those in North America lacked representation in Parliament. Faced with widespread protests and boycotts, Parliament repealed the Stamp Act in March 1766, while also passing the Declaratory Act which stated that Parliament had the right to make laws for the colonies. The battle over the Stamp Act was a key moment on the road to the American Revolution.

Photograph Source: Public Domain