On April 5, 1764, Parliament passed a modified version of the Sugar and Molasses Act (1733), The Sugar Act. Parliament decided it would gain more results if they adjusted the tax. The Sugar Act reduced the rate of tax on molasses from six pence to three pence per gallon, while Grenville took measures that the tax be strictly enforced. The act also included more foreign goods to be taxed including sugar, coffee, etc, and regulated the export of lumber and iron. The enforced tax on molasses caused an almost instant decline in the rum industry in the colonies, affecting the economy. Opposition to the tax was widespread and would later on set the stage for the revolt against the Stamp Act.
Flavia De Moraes
Sources: http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/related/sugaract.htm
Comments (2)
Ariana Sharma said
at 7:00 pm on Sep 8, 2010
This is a helpful and informative definition! I like the photograph of the actual document- it really adds validity to the whole definition. I wonder how much three pence was worth back then.
Montrel Smith said
at 6:50 pm on Sep 9, 2010
Your definition was very beneficial, I had no idea that this act affected the export of lumber and iron.
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