The Boston Tea Party
The Boston Tea Party was a political protest that happened on December 16th, 1773 in Massachusetts Bay, during the time of the American Revolution. The event was organized by a group of colonists known as the Sons of Liberty, who sought to protest the Tea Act of 1773, which granted the British East India Company a monopoly on the tea trade.
What Happened?
The Sons of Liberty protested the Tea Act by boarding three merchant ships owned by the British East India Company and throwing the tea cargo overboard. The event, which was orderly and peaceful, lasted only a few hours. In total, 342 chests of British tea were destroyed – an estimated 10,000 pounds.
Who was Responsible?
The leader of the Sons of Liberty was Samuel Adams, a prominent statesman, patriot and Founding Father. He was the driving force behind organizing the Boston Tea Party and played a major role in the American Revolution. Adams was helped by a core group of individuals on the night of the Boston Tea Party:
- John Hancock – a wealthy businessman and patriot, who was the president of the Massachusetts Provincial Congress at the time.
- Paul Revere – known as the “midnight rider,” Revere was a key member of the group. He helped plan the event and keep order.
- Dr. Benjamin Church – Church was a patriot, physician, and spy who was essential in organizing and maintaining secrecy.
- Joseph Warren – an American physician and one of the Sons of Liberty leaders.
- Thomas Crafts – a Boston doctor, patriot and Sons of Liberty member.
The Boston Tea Party was a major event in American history and is often cited as the beginning of the American Revolution. The event gained widespread notoriety and symbolized the colonists’ defiance of British taxation and determination to establish political independence. These individuals were key players in the act and deserve recognition for their part in the event.
