Grenville Alienated Great Britain From American Colonies

One of George Grenville's first tasks as Prime Minister of Great Britain was to bring John Wilkes to justice for his slanderous essay against King George III and to revive the country's economy.

Grenville's first priority was to fix the country's finances, as Britain struggled to recoup from the losses of the Seven Years' War and now desperately needed money for the British army in the American colonies. The aftermath of Pontiac's Rebellion, which broke out in North America in 1763, was another issue he had to cope with. Grenville put into effect many measures, including the Stamp Act of 1765, among others, as Great Britain recovered from the costs incurred during the Seven Years' War. This law introduced a special tax on the American colonies. Every document and publication must have a revenue stamp payable in British cash and be printed on paper. Unfortunately, the public was incensed by these actions. The American colonies rebelled and rioted in opposition to the 1765 Stamp Act's implementation. Eventually, it resulted in the estrangement of Great Britain from the American colonies.