Quck answer
The Boston Tea Party was an act of protest by American colonists against British taxation. It took place on December 16, 1773, in Boston Harbor. Around 150 men participated in the event, dressed as Native Americans. They boarded three British ships and dumped 342 chests of tea into the water. The participants were mostly members of the Sons of Liberty, a group opposed to British rule. They were merchants, artisans, and laborers who wanted to protest against the Tea Act. The Tea Party played a significant role in the lead up to the American Revolution.
Were you aware that the citizens of Boston once held a massive tea party in Boston Harbor? It was a revolutionary event that bore no resemblance to the tea parties you might have with your friends while playing!
On a chilly night in December 1773, a group of American colonists known as the Sons of Liberty — some of whom disguised themselves as Native Americans — boarded three British ships in Boston Harbor and threw 342 crates of tea into the water. This incident, which became famous as the Boston Tea Party, was one of the key events that led to the American Revolution.
Why did the colonists take this action? It was their way of protesting against what they believed were unjust taxes imposed on them by Great Britain. They did not think it was fair that Great Britain could compel them to purchase tea from the East India Trading Company (a British company) and pay high taxes on the tea (due to the Tea Act) — all without having a voice or representation in the British government.
The rallying cry the colonists used was “no taxation without representation.” They believed that if the British government wanted to impose taxes on them, they deserved to have representatives to express their views in that government.
Initially, the colonists refused to pay taxes on the tea and requested that it be sent back to England. When the British government declined, they decided to dump the tea into the harbor instead. If you are wondering why this was such a big deal, you should know that the tea containers weighed about 90,000 pounds, which in today’s currency would be worth about $1 million!
Although many colonists wore disguises, the British government knew who was responsible. It responded by implementing a series of additional taxes and passing a set of laws known as the Intolerable Acts. Just two years later, the American Revolution would commence!
Here are some other interesting facts about the Boston Tea Party:
- The three British ships that had their tea thrown overboard were the Dartmouth, the Eleanor, and the Beaver.
- Paul Revere was among the participants in the Boston Tea Party.
- The tea that was thrown into Boston Harbor originally came from China.
Give It a Try
Can children participate in the political system today? Absolutely! If you are unhappy about something your government is doing, let your elected representatives who represent your area know about it.
There is no need to search for a harbor with a ship full of tea to dump. Instead, peacefully make your opinions known to those who vote on the issues in Congress.
If you are unsure who your representatives in Congress are, don’t worry! Simply go online to Contacting the Congress and enter your address. You will be provided with the names and contact information of your representatives in the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Feel free to ask a friend or family member for assistance. Always be respectful in your letters to representatives and clearly state the issue you are concerned about and your position on it. Learning to actively participate in your government is an important step towards becoming an engaged citizen!
FAQ
1. Who organized the Boston Tea Party?
The Boston Tea Party was organized by a group of American colonists known as the Sons of Liberty. This group was formed to protest against the British government’s unfair taxation policies, particularly the Tea Act of 1773.
2. Why did the colonists participate in the Boston Tea Party?
The colonists participated in the Boston Tea Party as a form of protest against the British government’s imposition of taxes on tea. They believed that these taxes were unfair and deprived them of their rights as British subjects. By dumping tea into the Boston Harbor, they wanted to show their defiance and opposition to the British rule.
3. Who were some of the key figures present at the Boston Tea Party?
Some of the key figures present at the Boston Tea Party were Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and Paul Revere. These individuals were influential leaders in the American Revolution and played significant roles in organizing and leading the protest against British taxation.
4. How many people participated in the Boston Tea Party?
Exact numbers are uncertain, but it is estimated that between 30 to 130 individuals participated in the Boston Tea Party. Most of them were members of the Sons of Liberty or sympathizers who supported their cause. They disguised themselves as Native Americans to avoid being identified by the British authorities.
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