Unfair Taxes and the Stamp Act — Reading Comprehension

The British Parliament wanted to collect more money from the American colonies in 1765. To do this, they passed a new law called the Stamp Act. This law said that colonists had to buy a special stamp for all paper goods, like newspapers, licenses, and even playing cards.

The colonists thought these taxes were unfair. They did not get to vote for the people who made these laws. Many colonists began to say, "No taxation without representation!" This meant they wanted a say in how they were governed. Patrick Henry, a leader from Virginia, spoke out against the Stamp Act. He said, "If this be treason, make the most of it!"

The Stamp Act made the colonists come together. They held meetings called the Stamp Act Congress to talk about what to do. Colonists wrote letters and made speeches to tell people about the unfair taxes. Some even refused to buy British goods. This was called a boycott.

Because of these strong protests, the British Parliament listened. In 1766, they decided to end the Stamp Act. The colonists were happy, but they knew they had to keep working together to protect their rights. These actions helped the colonists feel more united. They learned that by working together, they could make changes.

Interesting Fact: The Stamp Act was the first time many American colonists joined together to protest a British law.

What year did the Stamp Act start?

Who passed the Stamp Act?

What did colonists have to buy?

Why did colonists protest the Stamp Act?

What did the boycott mean?

What was the effect of the protests?

The Stamp Act ended in 1766.

What does 'representation' mean?