What was the purpose of the Stamp Act?

The purpose of the Stamp Act, enacted by the British Parliament in 1765, was primarily to tax printed materials such as newspapers, legal documents, and licenses in the American colonies. This taxation was meant to help offset the costs incurred by Britain during the Seven Years' War and to cover the expenses of maintaining British troops in North America. The Act generated significant discontent among colonists because they believed it violated their rights as Englishmen to be taxed without their consent, as they had no representatives in the British Parliament. This widespread dissatisfaction laid the groundwork for increased revolutionary sentiment, as it was viewed as one of the first direct taxes imposed upon the colonies. Therefore, the aim of the Stamp Act not only involved generating revenue but also acted as a catalyst for the burgeoning desire for independence among the colonists.