Final answer:
The Stamp Act of 1765 was a British law that taxed printed materials in the American colonies by requiring a purchased revenue stamp. It caused widespread protest due to 'no taxation without representation' and was repealed due to the colonists' outcry.
Step-by-step explanation:
What is the Stamp Act?
The Stamp Act was a law passed by the British Parliament in 1765 that imposed a tax on numerous printed materials used by the colonists in North America. This act required that many paper goods, such as newspapers, legal documents, pamphlets, and even playing cards, have a revenue stamp affixed to them to demonstrate that the tax had been paid.
The Stamp Act was notable as it was the first direct tax levied by Britain on its colonies. Colonists had to purchase this stamp using British currency, which not only raised the cost of these items but also symbolized Parliament's direct control over the colonies.
Significantly, this act led to widespread protest under the slogan "no taxation without representation," as the colonists had no representatives in the British Parliament to consent to the tax. Ultimately, due to the intense backlash, the Stamp Act was repealed, but it marked a turning point in the relationship between Britain and its American colonies, setting the stage for the eventual American Revolution.