The Stamp Act of 1765 was the beginning of the revolution for the North American colonies. When the Stamp Act was passed by the British Parliament, it required American colonists to pay a tax on every piece of printed paper they used. This included ship's papers, legal documents, licenses, newspapers and even playing cards. However, in the past, taxes and customs duties on colonial trade were always seen as measures intended to regulate trade and not to raise funds. Therefore, England viewed these taxes as a direct attempt to raise funds in the colonies without the approval of the colonial legislatures. Due to these effects, the Stamp Act caused a very violent reaction in the colonies, as it was seen as a threat to the freedoms and rights of the settlers, as well as affecting many members of society. When the French and Indian War began in 1763, Britain was said to be deeply in debt. During this battle, England occupied a large part of the East American colonies. When the British took over the colonies, it angered the workers, as many of them thought they had to quit their jobs and work on the British side. Additionally, many settlers knew they were going to be taxed. This quote is taken directly from Benjamin Franklin's Letter on the Stamp Act of July 1, 1765. “Idleness and pride lay a heavier hand than kings and parliaments. If we can get rid of the first, we can easily endure the second” (Franklin). If the colonists were able to rid themselves of British legislative power, then they would have the freedom to sell, buy and trade. However, many colonists thought they could do other things but not pay taxes to Parliament. Throughout the mid-1700s, many farmers faced this problem and were unable to...... middle of paper ......nklin, Benjamin. The Complete Works of Benjamin Franklin. New York: G. P. Putnam's Sons, 1887. George, W.. Np. Internet. April 3, 2014. .Irvin, Benjamin. “Clothed in Robes of Sovereignty: The Continental Congress and the People Outside.” Irvin, Benjamin. Clad in Robes of Sovereignty: The Continental Congress and the People Outside. New York: The Pennsylvania Historical Society, 2011. 317-320. Roland, John. No. Internet. April 3, 2014. “Stamp Act Congress.” American History. ABC-CLIO, 2014. Web. March 28, 2014. Thorndike, Joseph J. “Income Law.” Boston Tea Party Historical Society. Paul Milazzo, nd Web. April 11. 2014. .