What event did the Boston Tea Party protest?

The Boston Tea Party was primarily a protest against the principle of "taxation without representation." The event occurred on December 16, 1773, when American colonists, frustrated by British taxation policies imposed without their consent, dumped 342 chests of British tea into Boston Harbor. The colonists believed they should not be taxed by a government in which they had no direct representation, specifically in response to the Tea Act of 1773, which granted the British East India Company a monopoly on tea shipments to the colonies and effectively imposed taxes on the tea without colonial input or approval.

Understanding this context highlights the significance of the protest, as it was a pivotal event leading to the American Revolution. The Boston Tea Party galvanized public opinion against British rule and served as a rallying point for other colonies. It exemplified the growing resistance to British policies perceived as oppressive, solidifying the colonists' resolve to seek independence.