Tea became invested with a lot of political meaning in the 1760s and 1770s because

In the 1760s and 1770s tea became invested with a lot of political meaning because politicians believed that investing tea can potentially expand or grow their economy. It was also a reminder that Britain maintained its right to tax the colonials. Hence, Brtish citizens in Great Britain were paying on a per capita basis 10 times as much in taxes as the average American in the 13 colonies, though some colonies had higher taxes than others. In addition, between 1760 and 1770 Chinese tea also imported by the British East India Company into Britain nearly tripled from three to nine million pounds per year. Business was really booming for both the British and Chinese these years. 

Tea became invested with a lot of political meaning in the 1760s and 1770s because it was a reminder that Britain maintained its right to tax the colonies.  

Further Explanation:

In the year 1773, Two acts were passed by Parliament of Britain because they wanted to aid the failing East India Company as East India Company was behind schedule in clearing the payments which it owed to Britain. But along with debt, East India Company was also facing big losses from Tea sector as around 15 million pounds of tea was stored in warehouses which were from India to England. With Parliament passing the act, East India Company came directly under government control. After taking control of East India Company, British Government passed the ‘Tea Act’. Under this act, tea companies were able to sell tea directly to the colonies without paying any import duties which meant cost of the tea was to be reduced. But, opposite happened as British government resisted in lowering the prices of tea and instead the hiked the prices. This act by government of Britain agitated people of these colonies as they stopped buying tea and didn't even let ships to unload tea at ports and as a results ships were either sent back to England or the tea was dumped because once the tea was unloaded from the ships, The tax had to be paid so people didn't even let ships to unload the material in their docks.  

Learn more:

1.What is the best definition of marginal cost?

2. Which best describes how the electoral college affects the executive branch?

Answer details:

Grade: High School

Subject: History

Chapter: Politics behind Tea

Keywords: Tea, Tea Act, East India Company, Britain, Colonies, Docks, Ships, Unload, Taxes, Prices, Hike, England.