Final answer:
Colonists reacted to the Stamp Act with protests, viewing it as an unfair tax imposed by Britain without colonial representation. The formation of the Stamp Act Congress was a significant step in the colonies' unified opposition, leading to the slogan 'no taxation without representation,' which became central to their grievance.
Step-by-step explanation:
In response to the Stamp Act of 1765, colonists displayed widespread animosity and engaged in protests, as it was seen as taxation without representation. The Act required nearly all printed materials in the colonies to carry a tax represented by a stamp. This unified colonists from different backgrounds in a political front, resulting in the Massachusetts Assembly's call for a meeting to address the issue.
The Stamp Act Congress was formed by representatives from nine colonies and they drafted the Declaration of Rights and Grievances, articulating their position against the Stamp Act and the lack of colonial representation in Parliament.
This collective action was one of the first signs of unity among the colonies against British rule and helped set the stage for the American Revolution. The slogan 'no taxation without representation' became a rallying cry during this period, emphasizing the colonists' demand for a say in their own governance.