Final answer:
The question inquires about historical instances where duties were imposed on previously untaxed imports, specifically referring to tariffs such as the Townshend Duties of 1767, which targeted items like paper, paint, and tea, to regulate trade and raise revenue. The Navigation Act of 1663 is another example that mandated taxation on goods before they could reach colonial markets.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question refers to historical events where duties (taxes) were placed on certain imports that were previously untaxed.
These taxes on imported goods are known as tariffs. An example of such duties can be found in the Townshend Duties of 1767, which imposed duties on various consumer items like paper, paint, lead, tea, and glass.
This action was taken under Charles Townshend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with the intent to raise revenue by regulating trade through external taxation, as opposed to the previously protested internal taxes like the Stamp Act.
The Navigation Act of 1663 is another instance where such duties were imposed. All goods bound for the colonies from outside the British Empire had to be shipped to England and taxed before continuing to their final destination, significantly increasing the price of these goods for the colonists.
The Townshend Duties, particularly the third act, were among the most onerous for the colonists, not only because of the economic burden but also because of the increased control over colonial trade and measures against smuggling.
Tariffs have historically been a contentious issue, as they can both generate necessary government revenue and protect domestic industries.
Nevertheless, they can cause tension among nations as seen by the retaliation with their own tariffs, notably affecting Southern Democrats who were impacted by European tariffs on American exports like cotton and tobacco. Such economic measures can create trade imbalances and strain diplomatic relations.