Sugar Act 1764

About Sugar Act 1764

The Sugar Act of 1764, officially the American Revenue Act, was the first tax imposed on the American colonies specifically to raise revenue rather than regulate trade. The act halved the duty on foreign molasses but strengthened enforcement. It also imposed new duties on imports of wine, cloth, coffee, and silk. The Sugar Act was less visible than the Stamp Act but equally resented. Colonial merchants and distillers protested. The act was difficult to enforce due to widespread smuggling. The Sugar Act was one of several measures in the British effort to make the colonies pay for their own administration and defense. The American Revenue Act was amended in 1766 to reduce rates further but the principle of parliamentary taxation was established.