The Sugar Act

The Sugar Act of 1764 was a law passed by Britain to tax sugar and molasses imported into the American colonies. Its goal was to raise revenue and regulate trade, particularly to benefit British merchants. The act lowered existing taxes but increased enforcement, leading to widespread frustration among colonists who felt it was an unfair taxation without representation. It also aimed to curb illegal smuggling. The Sugar Act marked one of the first colonial protests against British taxation, setting the stage for growing tensions that eventually led to the American Revolution.