Final answer:
The British Government was furious with the Boston Tea Party and passed the Coercive Acts to punish the colonies. The Sons of Liberty, led by Samuel Adams, were responsible for the event. These actions further strained relations and contributed to the American Revolution.
Step-by-step explanation:
The British Government's Reaction to the Boston Tea Party:
The British Government was furious following the Boston Tea Party event. Viewed as an act of rebellion, King George III and the British Parliament saw it necessary to punish the colonies, particularly Massachusetts. The individuals responsible for the Boston Tea Party were members of the Sons of Liberty, which included influential figures such as Samuel Adams. They were protesting against the Tea Act which although made tea cheaper, represented another instance of taxation without representation.
The Coercive Acts as Consequences:
In response to the Boston Tea Party, the British Government enacted the Coercive Acts, also known as the Intolerable Acts, which aimed to penalize the colonists by closing Boston Harbor and imposing restrictions on local governance. These punitive measures were an attempt to restore order and assert British authority over the increasingly defiant colonies. Furthermore, additional acts required the colonists to quarter British soldiers and abolished the local assemblies, adding to the tensions that would escalate into the American Revolution.
Legacy of the Boston Tea Party:
The Boston Tea Party is an iconic event that contributed to the deteriorating relationship between Britain and its North American colonies. It set the stage for further revolutionary acts and was a catalyst towards the colonies' quest for independence. This pivotal moment in history ultimately led to the formation of a new nation.