Why were Bostonians angry with British troops in their town?
1 Answer
Dec 23, 2015
A combination of sheer numbers and the toll exacted upon Bostonians.
Explanation:
The population of Boston in 1775 was approximately 14,000. England sent 5,000 troops to camp in the city. Most of the troops camped on the Boston Common but all the officers and many sergeants were housed in the homes of private citizens without the permission of the homeowner. This was allow by one of the "Intolerable Acts" called "The Quartering Act."
The sudden rise in population by the British troops meant all food and fuel had to be spread more thinly.
There were also constant clashes between the townspeople and British soldiers. Bostonians resented the military presence and the British looked upon the citizenry as unruly rabble.
