After years of conflict, no progress toward a compromise had been made between Britain and her American colonies. Each remained convinced of its own position and become more distrustful of the other. The colonists believed they had twice defeated British tax schemes and were confident they could do so again. The tax on tea, however, signaled Britain's intention to uphold its right to tax. Faced with continuing resistance, Parliament became more determined to use force, if necessary, to assert its authority.