A History of the Townsend Act Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

A History of the Townsend Act - Term Paper Example in Burnett 41). The year 1767 brought a different series of measures that stimulated and recreated the conflict. Considering the discontent over increased tax, British Chancellor of the Exchequer, Charles Townshend introduced a new fiscal program (Clack and Alonzo 40).Partially influenced by Benjamin Franklin’s arguments in Parliament, Townshend wrongly assumed that contrary to the Stamp Act, colonists would accept the tax on imported goods (Mintz).The basis purpose was to reduce British taxes by means of increased and efficient collection of duties imposed on American trade. Therefore, he readjusted custom administration and enacted duties on goods that colonies imported from Britain, such as, lead, paper, tea, glass. The â€Å"Townshend Acts† were based on the assumption that taxed on imported goods from colonies was legal whereas internally imposed taxes, such as, Stamp Act were illegal (Clack and Alonzo 40). ... Colonists were outraged, they not only objected the implementation of new duties but also they way collected money would be spent and new administration (Mintz). Reacting to the whole situation, John Dickinson, a Philadelphia layer, argued in Letters 1of a Pennsylvania Farmer that despite the fact that Parliament can control imperial commerce, it is unlawful to tax the colonies, whether the taxes are imposed externally or internally (Clack and Alonzo 40). Townshend appointed a new board of customs commissioners who were supposed to be more efficient in setting and maintain customs system. On the other hand, American merchants considered new bureaucracy was an effort to setting up the system of official corruption in colonies (Mintz). Learning from their past lessons, success of the boycott, and successful rejection of the Stamp Act, colonists united again in order to achieve their goal(Burnett 41).Boston merchants acquires a non-importation agreement in 1768 in which they preferred n ot to import certain goods over paying taxes. By 1769, merchants from all over America joined hands with Bostonians and they gave a serious jerk to British exports (Mintz). Their boycott dropped British exports to over 40%, due to bleak financial conditions; British merchants pressurized Parliament to abolish the Act (Burnett 41).American women contributed actively in the protests against Townshend Acts. â€Å"Daughters of Liberty† successfully campaigned against imported tea and clothing (Mintz). At the same time, ministry closed some western forts and deployed British troops in coastal areas again. According to 1765’s Quartering Act, colonists were responsible to not only provide food but also housing for the troops. But New York’s refusal to provide for