What did the Colonial boycotts of British goods before the Revolutionary War were effective measures.
What the question means is what effect did the Colonial Boycotts did to British goods?
Not a lot to the goods, however, the Townsend act had taxes added to the goods, and as a result of the goods not selling, there were no taxes collected to pay the British army and administrators.
http://www.historyplace.com/unitedstates/revolution/rev-prel.htm
The Colonial boycotts of British goods before the Revolutionary War were effective measures because they demonstrated resistance against British control and played a significant role in paving the way for American independence. These boycotts were an organized form of protest, aimed at pressuring the British government to address the grievances of the American colonies. The following steps explain how these boycotts were effective:
1. Colonial unity: The boycotts were successful mainly due to the unity among the American colonies. Special committees, such as the Committees of Correspondence, were established to coordinate the boycott efforts, exchange information, and encourage participation across different colonies.
2. Economic impact: The boycotts severely impacted British trade and the colonial economy. By refusing to purchase British goods, the colonies inflicted financial losses upon British merchants and manufacturers. This economic pressure forced British policymakers to reconsider their approach towards the colonies.
3. Non-importation agreements: The colonies implemented non-importation agreements, which involved pledging to stop importing British goods. Through these agreements, colonial merchants and consumers voluntarily restricted their purchasing habits, creating a significant decline in demand for British goods.
4. Domestic production and smuggling: In response to the boycotts, American colonies began to focus on increasing domestic production. This led to the development of local industries and manufacturing, reducing dependence on British imports. Additionally, smuggling became common during this period, allowing the colonies to acquire goods from other countries without relying on British trade.
5. Political impact: The boycotts facilitated the development of a shared sense of identity and resistance among the American colonists. It was a collective effort that empowered the colonists by showing their ability to unite and challenge British authority.
In summary, the Colonial boycotts of British goods were effective measures because they demonstrated colonial unity, had a significant economic impact, fostered domestic production, and had long-term political implications. These boycotts played a crucial role in highlighting the discontent and paving the way for the eventual American Revolution and independence.