The 4 Acts That Led to The Revolutionary War Series: The Stamp Act

Published:
April 20, 2017

Sarah Shelton

Contributor:
Sarah Shelton

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Taxation without representation set the stage for the rebellion that formed the American Revolutionary War. In this series we have discussed The Sugar Act, The Currency Act, and The Quartering Act; each of which put huge burdens on the American colonists. The final act we will learn about if the Stamp Act. This series will go alongside any American Revolutionary Unit in your homeschool. Gaining independence from Britain has made us who we are as a nation today.


The Stamp Act
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Learning about The Stamp Act

The Stamp Act was passed on March 22,  1765. This act was passed to try to generate even more revenue for the British government by putting a tax on any official document or paperwork that the Americans would need. Every important document that was purchased also had to have a stamp that was purchased to be affixed to the said document. This means that licenses, college diplomas, playing cards, advertisements, newspapers, and any legal documents such as deeds to lands or mortgages on the property were taxed with an additional stamp.

Before this law was even in effect, outrage had ensued. In the Virginia House of Burgesses,  Patrick Henry denounced the Stamp Act suggesting that the act would eventually force the colonies into revolt and be the downfall of King George III. All across the colonies, the cry “No Taxation, without Representation” was being heard loud and clear. This act was one of the main causes of the Revolutionary War.

Here are some great historical documents from the Massachusetts Historical Society that explain why the Stamp Act was so awful and how it spurred the Revolution, with lesson plan questions:
The Formation of the Sons of Liberty
Liberty and No Stamp Act
The Badge of Slavery
Keeping the Peace
Certain Mutual and Reciprocal Agreements
Sensations of Freedom

Read about the Stamp Act and it’s original wording at US History.

Revolutionary War and Beyond has a great page devoted to the background of the Stamp Act, with lots of history and links to formal complaints and petitions to abolish this act.

Stamp Act History is an entire website devoted to the history of the Stamp Act. There are articles, documents, a timeline of events and videos.

What Was the Stamp Act of 1765? Video, Lessons and Quiz from Study.com.
Stamp Act Congress Video, Lessons and Quiz from Study.com.

Here are some great videos and songs to help you further learn about the Stamp Act and the beginning of the Revolution!

The Liberty’s Kids Collection is one of my absolute favorite resources for learning about The Revolutionary War! You can grab all 40 episodes for less than $7 on Amazon!
Liberty's Kids - The Complete Series