colonists the action of Parliament constituted, in effect, a “redress of grievances,” and the campaign against England was largely dropped. An embargo on “English tea” continued but was not too scrupulously observed.
Generally, the situation seemed auspicious for imperial relations. Prosperity was increasing and most colonial leaders were willing to let the future take care of itself. Inertia and neglect seemed to succeed where bolder policies had failed. The moderate element, everywhere predominant in the colonies, welcomed this peaceful interlude.
7. The Boston “Tea Party”
During a three-year interval of calm, a relatively small number of “patriots” or “radicals” strove energetically to keep the controversy alive. As long as the tea tax remained, they contended, the principle of Parliament’s right over the colonies remained. And at any time in the