Where was tea a black-market commodity in the 18th century?
A Portugal
B France
C Great Britain
Fact: Tea, introduced to Britain in the 17th century, had become immensely popular by the 18th century. However, high taxes and the East India Company’s monopoly kept prices out of reach for many. As a result, tea smuggling flourished, and at times, illegal imports surpassed legal ones. The tide turned in 1784, when Prime Minister William Pitt the Younger slashed the tea tax, largely ending the black-market trade.
Correct Answer: Great Britain