Charles Townshend facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles Townshend
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Portrait by Joshua Reynolds
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| Chancellor of the Exchequer | |
| In office 2 August 1766 – 4 September 1767 |
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| Monarch | George III |
| Prime Minister | The Earl of Chatham |
| Preceded by | William Dowdeswell |
| Succeeded by | Lord North |
| President of the Board of Trade | |
| In office 1 March 1763 – 20 April 1763 |
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| Preceded by | The Lord Sandys |
| Succeeded by | The Earl of Shelburne |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 27 August 1725 Raynham Hall, Norfolk, England |
| Died | 4 September 1767 (aged 42) |
| Political party | Whig |
| Spouse | Lady Caroline Campbell |
| Alma mater | University of Leiden University of Oxford |
Charles Townshend (born August 27, 1725 – died September 4, 1767) was an important British politician. He served in the Parliament of Great Britain. He is best known for creating the Townshend Acts. These acts were a major reason for the start of the American Revolution.
Townshend was born in England at Raynham Hall. He was the second son of Charles Townshend, 3rd Viscount Townshend. He studied at Leiden University. He held many political jobs, like being a member of the Board of Trade. He also served as Chancellor of the Exchequer. He played a big part in taxing the American colonies. His Townshend Acts put taxes on goods sent to America. These taxes made the colonists very angry. This anger eventually led to the American Revolution. Charles Townshend passed away in September 1767.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Charles Townshend was born at Raynham Hall in Norfolk, England. He was the second son of Charles Townshend, 3rd Viscount Townshend. As a child, he was often sick. He had a difficult relationship with his parents.
Charles was a very clever young man. He was known for being lively and sometimes a bit wild. He went to Leiden University in the Netherlands. He graduated from there in 1745. While at university, he met other young English students. Some of them later became famous, like John Wilkes.
Starting His Political Career
After university, Charles returned to England in 1746. He became a member of Parliament. He represented Great Yarmouth until 1756. Later, he represented other areas like Saltash and Harwich. People first noticed his skills in 1753. He gave a strong speech against a new marriage law. Even though he spoke against it, the law still passed.
Key Political Roles and Decisions
From 1749 to 1754, Townshend was part of the Board of Trade. This was when he first showed interest in taxing the American colonies more. He also wanted Britain to have more control over them.
Serving in Government
In 1754 and 1755, he worked as a Lord of the Admiralty. This role involved managing the British navy. However, he resigned at the end of 1755. He strongly disagreed with the government's policies.
In 1756, he got a good job as treasurer of the chamber. This was under the leadership of William Pitt the Elder. But he left this role the next spring. He was then offered a higher position, First Lord of the Admiralty. He refused to take it. This meant he was not part of the new government.
Later, he became the Paymaster of the Forces. This was during the time of Lord Rockingham's government. Townshend doubted if this government would last. He called it "pretty 'summer wear'," meaning it was not strong enough for tough times.
Becoming Chancellor of the Exchequer
In August 1766, Townshend became Chancellor of the Exchequer. This is a very important job. It means he was in charge of the country's money. He worked under William Pitt the Elder. A few weeks later, he gained more power in the government.
Townshend wanted to keep a land tax at a certain level. But his predecessor, William Dowdeswell, managed to get the tax lowered. This meant the government would have less money. Townshend promised to find new ways to get money from America. This would make up for the missing funds.
The Townshend Acts
In early 1767, a law called The Stamp Act had just been cancelled. This was because American colonists protested and stopped buying British goods. Townshend then suggested a new idea. He believed Parliament could tax Americans without upsetting them. He thought "external" import taxes would be better than "internal" taxes. These new taxes became known as the Townshend Acts.
Impact on American Colonies
The Townshend Acts put taxes on several goods sent to America. These included glass, paint, paper, and tea. The Acts also created a special group in Boston. This group was called the Board of Commissioners. Their job was to make sure the taxes were collected. Many colonists saw this as a threat to their ability to govern themselves.
Townshend thought these new taxes would bring in about £40,000 for Britain. His cousin, Thomas Townshend, who was also a minister, supported him. The Townshend Acts were Charles Townshend's last major action in government. He died suddenly from a fever on September 4, 1767.
Personal Life and Legacy
In August 1755, Charles Townshend married Caroline Campbell. She was the eldest daughter of John Campbell, 2nd Duke of Argyll. She was also a widow.
After Townshend's death, his wife was given the title Baroness Greenwich. His older brother, George Townshend, 1st Marquess Townshend, became the Lord-lieutenant of Ireland.
Charles Townshend was known for being cheerful and witty. He was not easily upset. He loved to laugh and tell jokes. He was described as someone who poured out wit in torrents.
Places Named After Him
Several towns in America were named after Charles Townshend. These include Townsend, Massachusetts, founded in 1732. Townshend, Vermont, founded in 1753, was also named after him. The town of Raynham, Massachusetts also carries his name.
Images for kids
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Portrait by Joshua Reynolds
See also
In Spanish: Charles Townshend para niños
