1725-1767. British politician, chancellor of
the Exchequer 1766-67. The Townshend Acts,
designed to assert Britain's traditional
authority over its colonies, resulted in
widespread resistance. Among other things
they levied taxes on imports (such as tea,
glass, and paper) into the North American
colonies. Opposition in the colonies to
taxation without representation (see Stamp
Act) precipitated the American Revolution.