The Stamp Act was an act passed by the British in 1765. The Act was enforced to require the colonist to pay a fee or tax on every piece of printed paper they used. Items like legal documents, license, newspapers, and even playing cards were taxed. They had to buy paper from the British that had official stamps to show they paid the tax. Colonist could only pay the taxes in gold and silver, not even paper money. The money gathered from the Stamp Act was used to help pay for the French and Indian War. It was used to pay for things the troops needed in exchange for their service.