Townshend Acts Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What were the Townshend Acts?

A series of laws passed by the British government on the American colonies in 1767.

What did the Townshend Acts do?

Placed new taxes and took away some freedoms from the colonists.

What were the new taxes introduced by the Townshend Acts?

Taxes on imports of paper, paint, lead, glass, and tea.

Who was established to collect taxes from the Townshend Acts?

American Customs Board in Boston. Signup and view all the answers

What are some freedoms taken away from the colonists by the Townshend Acts?

British officials were given the right to search colonists' houses and businesses. New courts were set up in America to prosecute smugglers without a local jury. Signup and view all the answers

How did the Acts get their name?

Acts were introduced to the British Parliament by Charles Townshend. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the British make the Townshend Acts?

British wanted to get the colonies to pay for themselves, including salaries of officials such as governors and judges. Signup and view all the answers

Why were the Townshend Acts important?

Pushed American colonists towards revolution and showed that British didn't understand that 'taxation without representation' was a big deal. Signup and view all the answers

Why were American colonists so upset about the Townshend Acts?

American colonists weren't allowed any representatives in British Parliament, which they felt was unconstitutional. Signup and view all the answers

What was a result of the Townshend Acts?

Caused continued unrest in the colonies, including boycotts and protests. Signup and view all the answers

Who wrote the Letters from a Farmer in PA and what did it say?

John Dickinson wrote it, stating that taxes set a dangerous precedent and more taxes would follow. Signup and view all the answers

What are some interesting facts about the Townshend Acts?

Most taxes were repealed in 1770 except for the tax on tea. Charles Townshend died in September 1767. Signup and view all the answers

How did the British attempt to enforce tax laws from the Townshend Acts?

Established American Customs Board, set up new courts without a jury, and gave British the right to search colonists' properties. Signup and view all the answers

What are Non-importation Agreements?

A type of boycott where store owners refuse to purchase British imports to sell in their shop. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Townshend Acts Overview

The Townshend Acts were a group of laws enacted in 1767 by the British government affecting American colonies.
Aimed to collect revenue from the colonies, leading to increased tensions between colonists and Britain.

Key Provisions of the Acts

Imposed taxes on imported goods: paper, paint, lead, glass, and tea.
Established the American Customs Board in Boston to oversee tax collection.

Loss of Liberties

British officials were granted authority to search colonists’ homes and businesses without prior consent.
New courts were established, enabling prosecution of smugglers without local juries.

Naming of the Acts

Named after Charles Townshend, who introduced the measures in Parliament.

Motivations Behind the Legislation

Aimed to require colonies to contribute financially toward their governance.
Intended to cover salaries for colonial officials, including governors and judges.

Impact on Colonists

Ignited discontent among colonists who felt it violated the principle of "no taxation without representation."
The lack of colonist representation in Parliament was perceived as unconstitutional.

Consequences of the Acts

Led to considerable unrest and resistance in the colonies.
Merchants organized boycotts against British goods, prompting smuggling.
Protests escalated into violence, culminating in the Boston Massacre.

Literary Responses

John Dickinson authored "Letters from a Farmer in PA," warning that acceptance of the taxes set a troubling precedent for future taxation.

Unique Facts

Most taxes were repealed by 1770, except the tea tax, which carried over into the Tea Act of 1773.
Charles Townshend died shortly after the acts were introduced and did not witness their impact.
American colonists were not opposed to taxation per se but wanted representation in local government.
British Customs agents attempted to enforce these acts rigorously, including seizing John Hancock's ship on smuggling allegations.

Boycotting Efforts

Non-importation agreements were a form of boycott where merchants would not purchase British imports to sell in their stores.

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Description

Review the Townshend Acts through this set of flashcards that cover key aspects including the laws passed, effects on colonists, and the new taxes imposed. Ideal for students of American history looking to understand the events leading up to the American Revolution.