The Molasses Act was significant in that it...

  

• 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.