Why was there a riot in Boston? The Stamp Act, passed on March 22, 1965, was all to blame. The people of Boston were furious and according to Governer Francis Bernard they had a very good way of showing it. An Effigy representing Mr. Oliver, the new Office of Stamp Distributor, was found hanging on a tree. The mob then tore down the Stamp Office, that was currently under construction and then the Effigy was then taken to Mr. Oliver's house and beheaded.