Advanced Placement US History (AP US History) Practice Exam

The major effect of the Stamp Act was that it unified the colonies against British taxation. The Stamp Act, passed in 1765, imposed a direct tax on a wide array of printed materials, including newspapers, legal documents, and pamphlets, which angered many colonists who viewed it as a violation of their rights. This widespread dissatisfaction led to collective protests, boycotts of British goods, and the formation of groups like the Sons of Liberty. The Act was significant in that it galvanized a sense of unity among the colonies, fostering a shared identity and a collaborative resistance against perceived British oppression. The realization that they were all subject to this same tax galvanized movements that would eventually contribute to the American Revolution, as the colonies began to recognize the need to stand together against British policies. The other options do not accurately reflect the widespread impact of the Stamp Act. For example, while it may seem that British trade would increase due to their control, in reality, the colonists' backlash meant they were reducing their purchasing of British goods. Furthermore, tax revenue for the colonies likely decreased due to the resistance and protests against taxation, which undermined British attempts to collect taxes. Lastly, support for the monarchy did not grow; instead, the Act led