Non-consumption and Non-importation

Introduction

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The colonies suffer a financial depression throughout the 1760s. Trade is slow, cash is in short supply, and debt (especially to Britain) is on the rise. In the fall of 1767, Boston selectmen hope to alleviate the crisis when they urge citizens to "save your money and save your country!" Women play a key role in colonial attempts to curb the growing debt to Great Britain. A clever scribe pens an address to the ladies extolling the benefits—both economic and amorous—of boycotting British goods.

On 20 November 1767, The Townshend Acts take effect in America. Colonists must now pay duties on glass, paper, lead, paint, and tea imported from Britain. The existing non-consumption movement soon takes on a political hue as boycotts are encouraged both to save money and to force Britain to repeal the duties. Merchants consider organizing a non-importation movement, hoping a decrease in the sale of British goods will force their British counterparts to advocate for repeal. In Boston merchants vote to block English trade in March 1768. Bostonians then struggle to formulate a colony-wide non-importation scheme, as patriots continue to promote non-consumption by alerting the public to the politics of tea.

After vowing to suspend trade with non-participating colonies, Boston merchants finally persuade traders in New York, Philadelphia, and other ports to join the boycott. Meanwhile, Boston consumers are urged to boycott the Brazen Head and other shops that continue to sell imported goods. Patriotic colonists are expected to purchase goods made in America. Homespun clothing becomes a badge of patriotism and spinning and weaving parties become politically charged social engagements for daughters of liberty.

Although patriots like to claim otherwise, not everyone subscribes to the non-importation and non-consumption movements. Some colonists agree to them in principle yet continue to purchase, import, or sell British goods. In August 1769, trade violators are exposed on the front page of the Boston Chronicle. News of the violations has a devastating effect on the boycott, as do importing merchants who scoff at patriots and their search for "any trifling package" that might contain contraband.

The non-importation agreement is set to expire on 1 January 1770. Many merchants want out: they have warehouses full of British goods to sell and they are eager to resume their trade. Hoping to demonstrate their "zeal in the cause"—despite the violators in their midst—Bostonians write to Massachusetts' colonial agent in London assuring him that they are as determined as ever to force Parliament's hand.

Throughout 1770, merchants in Boston try in vain to extend the non-importation agreement. In May, they learn that Parliament has repealed the Townshend duties (except the duty on tea). The non-importation movement quickly collapses, and colonists are even the most patriotic colonists are eager to consume their British luxuries once again. By October 1770, non-importation is dead—but not for long.