In 1767 Parliament passed the Townshend act. They wanted to raise revenue in the colonies to pay salaries of governors and judges. This act added import duties to glass, lead, paper, paint and tea. They passed this act because New York restrained from the Quartering Act. New York was supposed to provide basic necessaties for British soldiers while they were stationed there, however they did not follow in the amount that they had agreed upon. New York was upset with the Townshend Act. Merchants wanted to gain back profits by trading within the colonies. Seven New Yorkers introduced the society for the Promotion of arts, agriculture, and economy. They wanted to create more manufacturing locally and offset the high prices of imported goods. However there attempt failed, which led New Yorkers to boycott and to refuse acceptance of imported goods from the British. ( Chudacoff 24)
New Yorkers definitly had the right to feel like theyve been taken advantage of. The Britains were out for themselves and wanted to pass these rules as if New Yorkers were supportive of there behavior. New York stood up for themselves when they restrained from following the Quarterly Act. Even though it had a negative impact because it led to Parliament passing the Townshend act it still showed that New York was looking for a way out, for some type of freedom and regardless of what ever Britain was to impose they were going to find ways around it. They wanted to flourish economically and not be tied down under various rules and taxes.
I agree with you completely. This is another example of how the British tried to maintain power over the colonies through taxes and other orders. On a scale of 1-10, I would say the importance of this is a 8 because it shows an action and reaction from both sides.
I also think that the resistance the colonists showed against the Quartering Act and then again with the Townshend Act, further proved that the colonists were willing to stand up for their freedom. I liked how you provided details in how the colonies were trying to voice their opinions, but the British wasn’t listening. On a scaled of 1-10, I’d say the argument is a 8 in terms of its importance since it tells us the causes and effects of the acts.