What were the Townshend Acts? (1 point)

Answer 1

The Townshend Acts were a series of laws passed by the British Parliament in 1767, named after the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Charles Townshend. These acts imposed new taxes on various imported goods, including glass, lead, paper, paint, and tea, intended to raise revenue from the American colonies to help pay for the expenses of governing and defending them. The acts also expanded the power and authority of British officials in the American colonies, including the Writs of Assistance, which allowed customs officials to search private property for smuggled goods without a warrant. The Townshend Acts were met with significant opposition and resistance from the American colonists, ultimately leading to protests, boycotts, and heightened tensions that contributed to the American Revolution.