As a Boston merchant in the late 1700's it was very difficult to get ahead, both economically and politically. The Seven Years War ended in 1763, which greatly contributed to Boston's wealth being controlled by only 5 percent of the city's taxpayers. The wealth of the other 95 percent combined, equaled less than the controlling 5 percent. The Sugar Act, The Stamp Act, and the Townshend Acts are a few taxation laws that were used by the British to control Bostonian merchants. Admiralty courts, The Declaratory Act, and The Coercive Acts economically controlled merchants. .
At the end of the Seven Years War, the British felt colonists had not fought well enough and had not paid their way. Therefore, the Sugar Act was imposed. It was to raise revenue to pay for the British troops who were protecting the colonies in North America. The Sugar Act increased the duty on sugar, wine, spirits, coffee, and indigo that entered North America from non-British ports. .
Admiralty Courts were established to enforce the Sugar Act. These courts gave customs officer's authority to obtain goods off of ships that they thought were smuggling, or not paying the taxes required. The Admiralty Courts were located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, which caused high travel expenses for defendants and they also had no chance of a local and favorable jury. There was one judge who decided guilt or innocence. All accused were considered guilty until proven innocent. If the accused was unable to prove innocence, the seized property was kept. .
In 1765 the Stamp Act was created. This act required that a stamp appear on almost all paper documents including; legal contracts, commissions, land deeds, academic degrees, newspapers, pamphlets, cards, and many other documents. The said purpose of the Stamp Act was to raise more money to support the British troops who were defending and protecting the colonies. Stamps were purchased from appointed agents.
