Final answer:
Bostonians reacted with great consternation and hostility to the presence of British soldiers, seeing them as symbols of oppression and a threat to their liberties, which led to escalating tensions and events like the Boston Massacre.
Step-by-step explanation:
The initial reaction of Bostonians to the presence of British soldiers was one of great consternation and hostility. The troops were sent in response to the protests and boycotts led by the Sons of Liberty against the British policies and the enforcement of such policies on merchants. Bostonians, already dissatisfied with British rule, viewed the soldiers as a symbol of oppression and a direct challenge to their liberties. The troops' arrival exacerbated tensions and led to incidents such as the Boston Massacre, which further deepened the divide between the colonies and Britain.
Furthermore, British soldiers competed with local laborers for jobs, particularly as dockworkers, in a labor system that favored native-born workers. This competition for scarce employment added to the resentment felt by the local populace. The climax of the unrest occurred when Boston went into an uproar, and a mass meeting at Faneuil Hall called for the removal of the troops from the city.