Final answer:
The British believed that the Townshend Acts would anger the colonists less than the Stamp Act. They attempted to enforce the Townshend Acts by taxing imported goods and stationing customs officials in the colonies.
Step-by-step explanation:
Why did the British think the Townshend Acts would anger the colonists less than the Stamp Act?
The British believed that the Townshend Acts would anger the colonists less than the Stamp Act because the Townshend Acts placed taxes on imported goods, such as glass, paper, and tea, rather than directly taxing the colonists' legal documents and printed materials like the Stamp Act. The British thought that by taxing imported goods, they could indirectly raise revenue without provoking the same level of resistance as the Stamp Act.
How did they attempt to enforce the Townshend Acts?
To enforce the Townshend Acts, the British government stationed customs officials in the colonies to collect the taxes on imported goods. They also established a new administrative body called the Board of Customs Commissioners to oversee the enforcement of the Acts. Additionally, British warships were sent to patrol colonial seaports to prevent smuggling and ensure compliance with the Acts.
Learn more about British perspective on the Townshend Acts