What significant event marked the first official meeting of the American colonies in 1765?

The Stamp Act Congress in 1765 represents a crucial moment in the early stages of colonial resistance against British rule. This event was significant as it marked the first organized effort among the American colonies to collectively address grievances against the British government. Delegates from nine of the thirteen colonies convened in New York City in response to the Stamp Act, which imposed direct taxes on printed materials and was widely unpopular throughout the colonies.

The congress produced a formal petition to the British Parliament, asserting that only colonial legislatures had the right to tax the colonists. This was an important step toward unifying the colonies and laying the groundwork for future cooperation against British oppression. The discussions and resolutions set a precedent for further colonial assemblies and contributed to the growing sentiment of independence that ultimately led to the American Revolution.

In contrast to the other options, such as the signing of the Declaration of Independence, which occurred later in 1776, or the Boston Tea Party in 1773, which was an act of protest, the Stamp Act Congress was the first formal gathering that acknowledged the need for a unified colonial response. The Constitutional Convention, held in 1787, was unrelated to colonial resistance but rather focused on creating and ratifying the U.S. Constitution.