Leaders of the rebellion seized the burning of the two ports to make the argument that the colonists needed to band together for survival against a ruthless enemy and embrace the need for independence—a spirit that ultimately would lead to their victory.

Riotous protest of the Townshend Acts in the colonies often invoked the phrase no taxation without representation.

They resented not only having to buy goods from the British but pay tax on them as well.

Protests continued to flare in the colonies, making British officials nervous. In 1768 they sent word to Britain that the colonies were on the brink of rebellion

They, therefore, viewed the acts as a threat to the liberties of all of British America, not just Massachusetts.

The colonists were fearsome foes who had to be taken seriously.

That didn’t sit well with Americans. They didn’t want the British telling them that they had to buy their tea, but it wasn’t just about that. The Americans wanted to be able to trade with any country they wanted.