The Townshend Acts were a series of laws passed by the British Parliament in 1767. These laws imposed taxes on various goods imported to the American colonies, including glass, paper, and tea. The goal was to raise revenue to pay British officials in the colonies and assert British authority. The Acts led to widespread protests and boycotts among colonists, who believed the taxes were unfair since they had no representation in Parliament. This growing discontent contributed to tensions between Britain and the colonies, eventually leading to the American Revolution.