Answer:
In 1773, the Tea Act was passed, according to which the full payment of duties of the East India Company for importing tea to the UK was returned, in addition, the company could export tea for the first time on its own, refusing to sell it at auctions. The company appointed a colonial merchant who would receive the consignment, and the consignee would then sell it for a commission.
In the fall of 1773, seven ships with tea were sent to the colonies: four to Boston, the rest to New York, Philadelphia, and Charleston. The ships carried more than 2,000 crates of tea weighing about 600,000 pounds. The Americans studied Tea Act and discontent began to grow in the colonies. The Sons of Liberty advocated the resignation of consignees.
In fact, the price of tea really fell, but it was not at all about it. Once again, the debate over the degree of parliament’ power in the colonies escalated. Some considered the dependence of officials on Townshend duties an encroachment on colonial rights. Moreover, traders played a significant role in the protest movement. Many of them were smugglers, and cheaper British tea threatened their business. Also, tea importers, who were not appointed by the East India Company, were at risk of ruin. In essence, the Tea Act gave the company a monopoly on tea trade, and traders feared that the monopoly could be expanded to other goods.
Explanation:
