The imposition of the Townshend Acts, a collection of measures handed by the British Parliament in 1767, ignited widespread discontent and resistance all through the American colonies. These acts levied duties on varied imported items, together with tea, glass, and paper, with the specific intention of elevating income to defray the prices of administering the colonies. This marked a big shift from earlier taxation insurance policies, which had been primarily designed to manage commerce.
Colonial opposition stemmed from the assumption that these measures violated basic rights and liberties. The colonists argued that they shouldn’t be subjected to taxation with out illustration in Parliament, echoing the rallying cry of “No taxation with out illustration.” The financial affect of the duties, coupled with the perceived injustice, fueled a rising sense of resentment in direction of British authority. This era witnessed an escalation of tensions, transferring past mere financial grievances to a problem of British sovereignty.
