In 1765, Parliament attempted to raise £100,000 for the American military garrison by a 'stamp tax' on colonies: a tax on paper, which had to be watermarked, or 'stamped' before use by printers or for legal documents. Those who did not comply would be tried without jury in vice-admiralty courts.
The British government thought it fair that the American colonies should contribute financially to the defence of the expanded empire. These measures and their crude and corrupt administration sparked widespread protest and opposition from the colonists.
On 18 March 1766, Parliament recognised the Stamp Act's failure and repealed it, but at the same time asserted its right to tax the colonies. Relations between the colonies and Parliament remained irrevocably soured.
