The Townshend Act and the Boston Massacre Whenever colonies were founded there were always problems, just like today. They worried about taxes, jobs, money, children and many other things. Things haven't really changed, other than some aspects of our morals. In the 1770s many men in power were selfish and cared about nothing but money. Sure, some people argue that America is still like this, but we know that's not all true. Long ago, when America was still primarily ruled by England, every war England fought in, America paid the price. These men in positions of power would force Americans to pay excessive taxes to cover war debts and sometimes just to make money from them. So, this is how an event of excessive taxation leads to the event of a deadly outcome (Godwin). In 1767, the British Parliament passed the Townshend Act which was simply a way to receive more revenue by overtaxing the colonists. The Townshend Act was established by a man named Charles Townshend. This law taxed things like oil, paint, glass, lead, paper, and tea. Boston i...