Author Archives: cbelland

Why was the Boston Tea Party the single most important act that sparked the American Revolution? Because by destroying the tea, the Sons of Liberty were past the point of no return. The Battle of Lexington and Concord would occur … Continue reading →

The Tea Act was a law passed by British Parliament in 1773 which forced the colonists to pay a 3 penny tax on every pound of tea! This Act gave the East India Company a monopoly on selling tea to … Continue reading →

When Francis Rotch returned to the Old South Meeting House with Royal Governor Thomas Hutchinson’s orders, the tension was palpable. Because only he had the power to send the Dartmouth, the Eleanor, and the Beaver back to England. But Hutchinson … Continue reading →

The people of Boston were very angry when they head that these ships were on their way from England with 340 chests of tea. The Sons of Liberty reminded all the colonists that the Tea Act would ruin the colonies. … Continue reading →

What started out as a street brawl soon turned into a bloody massacre on March 2nd, 1770. Some dockworkers from Boston’s lower classes began harassing the British soldiers. They threw snowballs, rocks, oyster shells, and wooden clubs at the Redcoats. … Continue reading →

These Acts were passed in 1767 and were, again, met with massive resistance from the colonists. This Act placed taxes on glass, paint, and lead. The tax was placed on these items because they were used by everyone in Boston, … Continue reading →

Since tea smuggling had become such a successful and common occurrence, Parliament realized how difficult it was to enforce the taxing of tea. So they decided to pass the Indemnity Act of 1767. This Act dictated that no more taxes … Continue reading →

Most people don’t know that John Hancock was a seasoned smuggler and merchant! In April 1768, his ship the Liberty arrived carrying wine and other taxable goods. He ordered his crew to unload the cargo under the cover of nightfall. … Continue reading →

The Gaspée was a British customs schooner that had been enforcing trade regulations that were unpopular and hated by the American colonists. This ship would often patrol the coastline looking for smugglers. Luckily in 1772, the smugglers won! They caught … Continue reading →