- created a thriving new industry in southern port cities such as Charleston and Savannah.
- eroded the profits of the West Indies sugar plantation owners and encouraged New England to export honey, a rival sweetener.
- touched off political clashes between Britain and the colonies, foreshadowing a new era of imperial control.
- angered Americans because it favored British molasses manufacturers.
ANSWER: The Molasses Act was significant in that it touched off political clashes between Britain and the colonies, foreshadowing a new era of imperial control.