What law, enacted in 1765, taxed printed goods including newspapers and legal documents?

The Stamp Act, enacted in 1765, was a significant piece of legislation that imposed a direct tax on a wide range of printed materials in the American colonies, including newspapers, legal documents, pamphlets, and playing cards. This act was crucial in escalating tensions between the colonies and Great Britain, as it marked the first time Parliament had levied a direct tax on the colonists without their consent. The purpose of the Stamp Act was to raise revenue to pay for British troops stationed in North America after the Seven Years' War.

The significance of this act lies in the strong opposition it received from the colonies, which argued that such taxation without representation violated their rights as Englishmen. This resistance led to widespread protests and the formation of groups such as the Sons of Liberty, ultimately contributing to the broader movement for independence.