Stamp Act - Background Information
The Stamp Act was designed to raise revenue from the American Colonies by a duty (tax) in the form of a stamp required on all newspapers and legal or commercial documents. Documents subject to the Stamp Tax included newspapers, liquor licences, legal documents, calendars. almanacs, certificates, diplomas, contracts, wills, Bills of Sale and Licences - the Stamp Act effected everyone in the colonies.

Stamp Act Congress - Implications
The men who would meet at the Stamp Act Congress had time to consider the implications of the Stamp Act on the American colonists. The members of the Stamp Act Congress believed that the Stamp Act was a deliberate attempt to undermine the commercial strength and the independence of America. They also felt that America offered a a fluid class structure providing opportunities for everyone. This was completely different to Britain who had  well-defined social classes of England without the possibility of climbing up the social ladder. The views of many of the colonists and the Stamp Act Congress broadened the notion of liberty and self-government far beyond what Great Britain had ever envisioned.

Stamp Act Congress - The Road to Revolution had begun...
Despite the negative reaction to their petition, the meeting of the First Congress was important because representatives from the colonies were united in a mutual cause. The Stamp Act Congress would shortly be followed by the First Continental Congress which was established September 5, 1774. The Road to Revolution and Independence had begun...