The Boston Tea Party, which occurred in 1773, was a direct act of protest against British colonial policies, particularly the Tea Act. Disguised as Native Americans, colonists dumped 342 chests of British tea into Boston Harbor, symbolizing their growing resistance to taxation without representation. This event escalated tensions between the colonies and Britain, leading to punitive measures known as the Intolerable Acts and ultimately uniting the colonies in their fight for independence. The Boston Tea Party is often credited with galvanizing support for the American Revolution.