Understanding the Persistence of Colonial Resistance and Boycotts that Led to the American Revolution

The chief reason for Parliament’s repeal of the Stamp Act and the Townshend Acts was the

harmful effects of colonial boycotts and nonimportation agreements on British businesses

persistent colonial resistance and boycotts that greatly affected the British economy. The Stamp Act, which was passed in 1765, imposed taxes on printed materials in the colonies, including legal documents, newspapers, and playing cards. The colonists were outraged and argued that the tax was illegal as they did not have any representation in Parliament.

Following widespread protests and boycotts, Parliament repealed the Stamp Act in 1766. However, they then passed the Townshend Acts in 1767, which imposed duties on glass, lead, paints, paper, and tea. The colonists reacted with more boycotts and protests, leading to increased tensions between the colonies and Britain.

In response, Parliament sent troops to Boston, which eventually led to the Boston Massacre in 1770. As a result of continued opposition and non-importation agreements, Parliament repealed the Townshend Acts in 1770, with the exception of the tax on tea. The Tea Act of 1773, which allowed the British East India Company to sell tea directly to the colonies, without going through colonial merchants, was met with strong opposition, and led to the Boston Tea Party.

The continued resistance of the colonies and the resulting economic impact on Britain led Parliament to repeal the Townshend Acts in 1774. Despite this, the relationship between the colonies and Britain continued to deteriorate, ultimately leading to the American Revolution.

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