Townshend Acts
The Townshend Acts were created by British Parliament in the beginning of 1767. They included the Revenue Act of 1767, the Indemnity Act, the Commissioners of Customs Act, the Vice Admiralty Court Act, and the New York Restraining Act. The purpose of the Townshend Acts was to pay the salaries of governors and judges, so they could better enforce trade regulations and the Quartering Act of 1765. The Acts were met with resistance from colonists which led to British troops occupying Boston in 1768. As a result of the occupation, the Boston Massacre occurred in 1770 and many of the Acts incorporated in the Townshend Acts were repealed.
Boston Massacre
On March 5th, 1770, a mob formed around a British sentry. He was threatened and harassed by the mob. Then he was supported by eight British soldiers, who also were subjected to threats and thrown objects. The soldiers fired randomly into the crowd, killing 3 people instantly, 2 more died later, and 6 were wounded. The next day 1 officer, 8 soldiers, and 4 civilians were arrested and charged with murder. 6 soldiers were acquitted while 2 were convicted of manslaughter and were branded on their hands as punishment. This event foreshadowed things to come between the 13 colonies and Britain.