Worlds Turned Upside Down Episode 12: The Conspiracy
Dec 18, 2024
Join historians Patrick Griffin, an expert on British imperial policy, Rosemarie Zagarri, who explores women's roles in colonial boycotts, and Christopher Minty, who delves into New York's political landscape. They discuss the fallout of the Stamp Act Crisis, the significance of Charles Townshend's taxing strategy, and the powerful non-importation movements spurred by colonial opposition. Discover how women mobilized, the conflicts in New York politics, and the escalating tensions leading up to protests that would ignite the Revolutionary spirit.
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Townshend's Duties Were Administrative
- Charles Townshend designed duties as administrative tools, not just revenue-raisers for Britain.
- He intended collected duties to pay colonial officials so they served the center, strengthening centralized imperial control.
The Internal/External Distinction Was Tactical
- Townshend exploited the internal/external tax distinction as a political tactic, treating external duties as acceptable.
- He accepted Benjamin Franklin's suggestion tactically while rejecting the constitutional distinction in principle.
Dickinson Framed A Precedent Threat
- John Dickinson's Letters from a Farmer reframed Townshend's duties as a dangerous precedent, not mere trade regulation.
- Dickinson argued paying salaries from duties would make governors beholden to Parliament and erode colonial checks.