Why did Parliament pass the Stamp Act?

A. to control the press so that colonists would not openly criticize the British government
B. to ensure that people living in Great Britain would pay the cost of their own protection
C. to have the colonists help pay off the large debt from the French and Indian War
D. to provide British troops with housing, food, and other necessary provisions

C. to have the colonists help pay off the large debt from the French and Indian War