Boston Tea Party Overview
The Boston Tea Party was a political protest that took place on December 16th, 1773, in Boston, Massachusetts. It was a key event in the lead up to the American Revolution.
Background of the Boston Tea Party
The Boston Tea Party was a protest against the British government’s Tea Act of 1773, which allowed the British East India Company to sell tea from China in American colonies without paying taxes apart from those imposed by the Townshend Acts. This tax avoidance created a monopoly in favor of British trade.
Actions Taken During the Protest
In response to the Tea Act, more than 100 American colonists boarded three British merchant ships in Boston harbor and dumped 342 containers of British tea into the harbor. This was done as a form of protest against the British government’s imposition of taxes without allowing any kind of colonial representation.
Effects of the Boston Tea Party
The Boston Tea Party had a huge impact on American and British relations. The British government responded by passing the Intolerable Acts, which were a series of measures designed to punish the colonies for their actions. This ultimately led to the start of the American Revolutionary War in 1775.
Legacy of the Boston Tea Party
The Boston Tea Party is an iconic event in American history and is an important symbol of the American Revolution and its fight for independence from Britain. The actions taken during the protest are still seen today, as an example of patriotism and the fight for freedom.
Key Takeaways
- The Boston Tea Party was a political protest held on December 16th, 1773, in Boston, Massachusetts.
- The protest was against the British government’s Tea Act of 1773, which imposed taxes on the American colonists without allowing them any form of representation.
- In response to the Tea Act, over 100 American colonists boarded three British merchant ships and dumped 342 containers of British tea into the harbor.
- The British government responded to the protest by passing the Intolerable Acts, eventually leading to the American Revolutionary War in 1775.
- The Boston Tea Party is an iconic event in American history and is still seen today as an example of patriotism and the fight for freedom.
