The Stamp Act was a tax imposed by the British Parliament on the American colonies in 1765. It required that certain printed materials, such as legal documents, newspapers, and playing cards, be produced on stamped paper that was produced in London and embossed with an official revenue stamp. The tax was intended to raise revenue to help pay for the cost of British troops stationed in North America after the French and Indian War. The Stamp Act was widely unpopular in the colonies and led to protests and boycotts.