The French and Indian War (1754-1763) had several effects that contributed to increased smuggling in the American colonies. One major effect was the increased taxation and regulation imposed by the British government to pay for the war debt and to finance the maintenance of troops in North America. This included measures such as the Sugar Act and the Stamp Act, which raised taxes on goods and legal documents.
As a result of these increased taxes and regulations, many colonists sought ways to bypass these laws and avoid paying taxes, leading to an increase in smuggling activities. The desire to maintain economic independence and resistance to British control fueled this trend even further.
In summary, the increased taxation and regulatory measures enacted by the British government after the French and Indian War most contributed to smuggling in the colonies.