“The "Indians" knew the destruction of the tea had to be finished by midnight--not one minute later. Destroying the tea was against the law. The men were defying King George III of Great Britain. They could be tried for a crime against the government, thrown into jail, and hanged. Why would they risk their lives just to destroy a cargo of tea?” American HistoryRevolutionary WarBoston Tea Party Book:How Did Tea and Taxes Spark a Revolution?: And Other Questions About the Boston Tea Party Source: How Did Tea and Taxes Spark a Revolution?: And Other Questions About the Boston Tea Party