jan 1, 1767 - Townshend Act Enacted

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This act was passed by its namesake, Charles Townshend, in 1767. It imposed duties on colonial imports of paper, paint, glass, and tea. While some revenue from the tax went to the American Military, most profit went to pay imperial officials, who had always been paid by colonial assemblies beforehand. So not only were the colonists essentially being doubly taxed on most paper goods, they were also being forced to pay imperial officials twice. The Americans were getting tired and fed up with having to pay so much in taxes, as many were already scrambling to stay afloat financially. The extensive taxation and dues made the Americans finally rebel in 1776.

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