2.  March 5, 1770, a crowd of colonists were protesting British troops. › They surrounded British troops in front of the State House.  Exchanged insults and threw snowballs. › Fearing for their safety, the British fired into the crowd, killing 5 including, Crispus Attucks, a free slave, joining protests in Boston, was one of the victims killed.  Crispus Attucks and other victims, considered heroes.

3.  Soldiers were arrested and charged with murder.  John Adams, a lawyer, agreed to defend the soldiers in court. › Many colonists criticized Adams and threatened his life. › Adams believed that everyone was entitled to a fair trial- demonstrating rule of law.  Adams argued in self-defense, and the jury agreed and acquitted the soldiers.

4.  Parliament passed the Tea Act in 1773. › Gave one company, the East India Company exclusive rights to sell tea in the colonies.  Colonists and those who supported smuggled tea from Holland, were outraged by the new tax.  Viewed act as another means of Parliament trying to interfere in the economic life of the colonies.

6.  committees of correspondence- › increased communication and organization amongst neighboring towns and colonial leaders. › Exchanged numerous secret letters on colonial affairs and resistance to British policy. › New York, South Carolina, and Rhode Island had created similar organizations.

7.  There was protest throughout many port cities against the tea act. › Rotting of tea, and blocking of British ships.  Sons of Liberty- › December 16, 1773, a group of men disguised as Native Americans boarded three British ships in Boston Harbor and destroyed over 342 chests of tea.

8.  Parliament in 1767 approved the Townshend Acts. › Named after Britain's Prime Minster Charles Townshend. › Placed duties (taxes) on glass, paper, paint, lead, and tea.  writs of assistance- provided British officers search warrants to enter homes and businesses to search for illegal goods.

9.  Sparked immediate protest amongst the colonists.  Upset that Parliament passed an act without their consent. › “No taxation, without representation!”  Many believed that writs of assistance went against their natural rights, as defined by English philosopher John Locke. › “no one ought to harm another in his life, health, liberty, or possessions.”

10.  Daughters of Liberty- female protest organization. › Urged colonists to use American products and to weave their own clothing.  Fearing disorder, the British stationed more troops › Samuel Adams, leader of the Sons of Liberty, stated, “We will destroy every soldier that dare put his foot on shore…I look upon them as foreign enemies!”