As a protectionist tool, a traffic increases the price of imports. As a result, consumers would choose to buy the relatively less expensive domestic goods instead.
Some retaliated by protesting with pitchforks and fire<span />
They were treated as if they were gods.
It was outlawed in 1804, and it not only declared the colonies free of Britain but it helped to inspire Vermont to abolish slavery in its 1777 state constitution. Hope this helps.
