March 22, 1765
The British government passed the Stamp Act, which levied a direct tax on everything printed for commercial and legal use in the colonies, from insurance policies to playing cards. The colonists argued that Parliament could not impose taxes upon them without their consent and, believing this right to be in peril, rioted and intimidated all the stamp agents responsible for enforcing the act. Not ready to put down the rioters with military force, Parliament eventually repealed the legislation. However, the disruption of the Stamp Act helped plant seeds for a far larger movement against the British government and the eventual battle for independence.
