Why did Charles townshend want to tax the Americans and why did he misread them so badly?

Charles Townshend aimed to tax the American colonies to generate revenue for Britain, particularly to pay for government officials and military expenses in America after the costly French and Indian War. He misread the colonists by underestimating their sense of autonomy and growing resentment towards British control; he believed that indirect taxes would be more palatable than direct taxes. Townshend failed to recognize the strong sentiments of self-governance and the unified resistance that would arise in response to his policies, leading to widespread protests and boycotts.