The American Revolution was a rebellion and political movement in the Thirteen Colonies which peaked when colonists initiated an ultimately successful war for independence against the Kingdom of Great Britain. Leaders of the American Revolution were colonial separatist leaders who originally sought more autonomy within the British political system as British subjects, but later assembled to support the Revolutionary War, which successfully ended British colonial rule over the colonies, establishing their independence, and leading to the creation of the United States of America.

The Townshend Acts or Townshend Duties were a series of British acts of Parliament passed during 1767 and 1768 introducing a series of taxes and regulations to fund administration of the British colonies in America. They are named after the Chancellor of the Exchequer who proposed the programme. Historians vary slightly as to which acts they include under the heading "Townshend Acts", but five are often listed:The Revenue Act 1767 passed on 29 June 1767. The Commissioners of Customs Act 1767 passed on 29 June 1767. The Indemnity Act 1767 passed on 2 July 1767. The New York Restraining Act 1767 passed on 2 July 1767. The Vice Admiralty Court Act 1768 passed on 8 March 1768.