a) The Stamp Act

The Stamp Act of 1765 marked a turning point in colonial-British relations, inciting widespread unrest in the American colonies. This Act mandated that many printed materials in the colonies be produced on stamped paper produced in London, carrying an embossed revenue stamp. The Act was met with vehement opposition as it represented a direct attempt by England to tax the colonies without their consent. The rallying cry “No taxation without representation” encapsulated the colonists’ outrage. This Act’s introduction and subsequent repeal were crucial in the build-up to the American Revolution, highlighting the growing chasm between the colonies and the British government.