In 1765, the British Parliament imposed a tax on printed materials in the American colonies to help pay for troops stationed in North America after the Seven Years’ War. However, many colonists believed the act violated their rights as British subjects to be taxed only if they were represented in Parliament. They responded with riots, boycotts, and other organized protests, and the act was repealed in 1766. Gift of Sidney Lapidus, Class of 1959. Rare Book Division.

FOR FURTHER EXPLORATION: See this item’s catalog record, or read more about this item in a previous exhibition, “Liberty and the American Revolution.”