What was the primary purpose of the Stamp Act passed in 1765?

The primary purpose of the Stamp Act passed in 1765 was indeed to impose a tax on legal documents and printed goods. This act required that many printed materials in the colonies, such as newspapers, pamphlets, and legal documents, be produced on specially stamped paper produced in London, which carried an embossed revenue stamp. The tax aimed to raise revenue to help pay off British debt from the Seven Years' War and maintain British troops in North America.

The introduction of the Stamp Act represented one of the first direct taxes levied by Britain on the American colonies, turning out to be a crucial point of contention that fueled colonial resentment and contributed to the growing desire for independence. The reaction from the colonies was quite intense, leading to the formation of groups like the Sons of Liberty and increased calls for representation and rights, which eventually played a significant role in the American Revolution.