Sugar Act - 06/15/25

Sugar Act

A 1764 law that lowered the tax on molasses but restricted colonial trade

Why it was passed

Britain needed to pay off war debt after the French and Indian War

British trade restrictions

Colonies could only trade with England

Effect on colonists

Limited freedom and increased tension between Britain and colonies

Search rights

Allowed British officers to search any colonial home for contraband

Contraband

Goods imported from non

Trials under Sugar Act

Colonists were tried in British military courts with no jury or defense

Colonial reaction

Colonists strongly opposed the act; saw it as unfair and abusive

Importance of Sugar Act

Sparked early resistance that helped lead to the American Revolution