Which of the following highlighted the growing tensions between British authority and colonial governance?

The Townshend Acts serve as a significant illustration of the escalating tensions between British authority and colonial governance. Enacted in 1767, these acts imposed duties on imported goods, including tea, glass, and paper, which were essential items for the colonies. This was perceived as a direct attempt by the British government to assert its authority over the colonies and enforce taxation without representation, a fundamental grievance that fueled colonial resentment.

The Townshend Acts not only sparked protests and boycotts but also led to increased colonial unity against British rule, as many colonists organized rallies and established non-importation agreements. The backlash was significant, culminating in events like the Boston Massacre, where British soldiers and colonial protestors clashed, further deepening the rift between the two sides.

In contrast, the other acts mentioned also contributed to tensions but in different contexts or with varying degrees of immediate colonial response. The Intolerable Acts, for instance, were a direct reaction to the Boston Tea Party and solidified colonial opposition but came later. The Quartering Act involved housing British troops and was contentious, but it did not incite the same level of widespread organized resistance prompted by the Townshend Acts. The Stamp Act was pivotal in its own right in