The Boston Tea Party was a pivotal event that ignited the flames of the American Revolution. Tensions were brewing between Great Britain and its colonies in America; many were sick and tired of taxation without representation and other grievous issues. A dramatic confrontation was inevitable.
The Tea Act
The Tea Act passed in 1773, allowed the British Government to silently tax colonists without their consent. The government lowered the price of tea while maintaining the tax imposed by the Townshend Acts. As American colonists noticed, their voices grew louder in defiance.
A Brewing Rebellion
Important figures like Samuel Adams organized the protection and boycotts of the new Tea Act. This changed public opinion against the British rule they had been living under. A bold retaliation was being planned to challenge their authority, and it would have explosive consequences.
Marching On The Ships
On December 16, 1773, American colonists marched on the Boston Harbor, their goal was three British ships loaded with tea. They found the Dartmouth, the Eleanor, and the Beaver, and knew they they had to do something to make a bold statement.
Tossing The Tea
In a famous act that is now called the Boston Tea Party, the group of colonists spent three hours on the ships. They found 342 chests full of tea, and emptied them into the harbor. There was no violence, and only the tea was sent overboard into the cold waters of Boston Harbor.
A New Act
The act did not go unnoticed, and the British government saw it as a direct insult to their culture and their rule. They imposed a new act called the Coercive Act, which was designed to punish Massachusetts and its citizens while further cementing British control.
Fueling The Fire
There were new rules imposed by the government, like the Boston Harbor being closed until all of the tea that was lost was paid for. British troops were quartered in private homes, and the local government was also reduced. They wanted to squish any spark of rebellion, but they only fueled the fire.
Colonial Unity
The Boston Tea Party and the response from the British Government was enough to turn the relationship that they had with Colonial America to turn sour. A unified response to the Coercive Act was arranged and held in Philadelphia in 1774 and all colonies except Georgia was present.
A Revolution
The acts of defiance that the colony has shown was enough to show the British Government they they were willing to rebel. This would pave the way for the violent confrontation that would take place at Lexington and Concord.
A World-Changing Event
The single act of the Boston Tea Party fueled the resistance and sparked a world-changing event. It demonstrated the power of standing up against tyranny and helped solidify the colonies in America under one united flag based on the principles of liberty and self-government.
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