In the years leading up to the American Revolution, a series of legislative measures enacted by the British Parliament significantly escalated tensions between the American colonies and the British government. One major act was the Stamp Act of 1765, which required all colonists to purchase special stamped paper for legal documents, newspapers, and other publications. This was met with considerable resistance, leading to the formation of groups such as the Sons of Liberty. The colonies viewed such actions as a direct assault on their rights as Englishmen, prompting a push for greater autonomy and ultimately rebellion against British rule.
Considering the context of colonial response to British policies, which of the following statements best describes the significance of the Stamp Act in relation to the growing revolutionary sentiment in the colonies?