The Geocentric theory or model proposed that the Earth was the center of the universe and the Sun rotated around it. Religion played a big role throughout history in trying to perpetuate this scientifically erroneous idea, which started appearing as a biblical perspective pointing towards specific passages in the holy book. A classic one would be Psalms 93:1, in which Earth is described as a static place "established, firm and secured". The church's support of geocentrism can be traced back to literal intepretations of the bible and a refusal to lose credibility and power as science proved them wrong.
The prosperity of the "boom years"led to the extravagant lifestyles for the wealthy which eventually led to the collapse of the wall street stock market is true.
The first act that the parliament passed in an attempt to raise revenue by taxing the American colonists was the "stamp act" which was met with a great deal of resistance.