A Revolutionary Party
The Boston Tea Party took place on December 16, 1773. It marked a turning point in the relations between the British and American colonists. Though some may say think that the Boston Tea Party was the direct result of a tax on tea, it actually stemmed from a series of events which stretched over the course of a decade. These events mainly involved the passing of bills which either introduced new taxes or tried to limit the rights and powers of the colonists. The British had originally begun passing these bills because they felt that they needed financial and logistical support in defending the colonies. Gradually, the British began passing more bills to increase their authority. To the colonists, the acts seemed unfair and unnecessary. Some colonists were so angered that they even formed a group called the Sons of Liberty. The group’s main platform was to oppose taxes. In 1770, the tensions between colonists and the British came to a head at the Boston Massacre. Colonists and British troops faced off in the streets, and five Americans were killed. In 1773, the passing of the Tea Act reduced taxes on British tea and hurt the colonists’ businesses.
At this point, the Sons of Liberty decided to take action. They organized and coordinated for weeks. The night of December 16, they dumped tea from three ships into Boston Harbor. Many people in Boston would not cooperate with authorities when they came to investigate. The actions of the colonists in Boston emboldened colonists throughout the country. The Tea Party sent a clear message to the British that they would not easily accept their policies. The British leadership grew angry and tried to tighten their control on the colonies. More acts were passed, and more resistance eventually came. Thomas Paine published his revolutionary pamphlet Common Sense, and leaders with names like Washington, Jefferson, and Adams began to gather around the country. In 1774, the First Continental Congress took place. The colonists agreed to continue boycotting British products. With the seeds of independence planted, the Revolution would soon begin.
5
What caused the colonists to throw the tea into the harbor?
A.
England introduced a tax on all tea consumed in the colonies.
B.
Thomas Paine published his revolutionary pamphlet Common Sense.
C.
They were tired of all the new taxes and laws that limited their rights.
D.
The Sons of Liberty insisted that the colonists help take part in the rebellious act.