The Revolution: Boston Bloody Boston

Recent questions

• What is the Stamp Act?

  The Stamp Act was a law passed by the British Parliament in 1765 that required American colonists to pay a tax on every piece of printed paper they used, including legal documents, newspapers, and even playing cards. This act was met with widespread resistance and anger among the colonists, who viewed it as an infringement on their rights and autonomy. The imposition of this tax sparked significant protests and led to the formation of groups like the Sons of Liberty, who actively opposed British taxation. The phrase "no taxation without representation" became a rallying cry, as colonists argued that they should not be taxed by a government in which they had no elected representatives. Ultimately, the backlash against the Stamp Act was so intense that it was repealed in 1766, marking a significant victory for the colonists and setting the stage for further resistance against British rule.

• Who were the Sons of Liberty?

  The Sons of Liberty were a secret organization formed in the American colonies in the years leading up to the Revolutionary War, primarily in response to the Stamp Act and other forms of British taxation. This group was composed of patriots who used various forms of protest, including intimidation and violence, to oppose British policies. They are famously known for their tactics such as tar and feathering tax collectors and organizing demonstrations to rally public support against British rule. The Sons of Liberty played a crucial role in uniting colonists against perceived injustices and were instrumental in events like the Boston Tea Party, where they protested against the Tea Act by dumping tea into Boston Harbor. Their actions helped to galvanize colonial resistance and foster a sense of solidarity among the colonies, ultimately contributing to the broader movement for independence from Britain.

• What was the Boston Massacre?

  The Boston Massacre was a pivotal event that occurred on March 5, 1770, when British soldiers opened fire on a crowd of colonists in Boston, resulting in the deaths of five civilians. Tensions had been escalating in the city due to the presence of British troops, who were stationed there to enforce order and collect taxes. On that fateful night, a confrontation between the soldiers and a group of colonists turned violent, leading to the soldiers firing into the crowd. The incident was sensationalized by colonial leaders and propagandists, who used it to fuel anti-British sentiment and rally support for the colonial cause. The Boston Massacre became a symbol of British oppression and injustice, and it played a significant role in uniting the colonies against British rule, ultimately contributing to the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War.

• What was the Boston Tea Party?

  The Boston Tea Party was a significant act of protest that took place on December 16, 1773, in which American colonists, disguised as Mohawk Indians, boarded British ships and dumped 342 crates of tea into Boston Harbor. This event was a direct response to the Tea Act, which granted the British East India Company a monopoly on tea sales in the colonies and allowed them to sell tea at a lower price than local merchants, undermining colonial businesses. The colonists viewed the Tea Act as another example of taxation without representation and an infringement on their rights. The Boston Tea Party was a bold statement against British authority and sparked outrage in Britain, leading to punitive measures known as the Intolerable Acts. This act of defiance galvanized colonial resistance and is often cited as a key moment in the lead-up to the American Revolution.

• What was the First Continental Congress?

  The First Continental Congress was a gathering of delegates from twelve of the thirteen American colonies that convened in Philadelphia in September 1774 in response to growing tensions with Great Britain. The Congress aimed to address colonial grievances and coordinate a unified response to British policies, particularly in light of the Intolerable Acts, which had been enacted as punishment for the Boston Tea Party. Delegates discussed various strategies, including the boycott of British goods and the formation of local militias to prepare for potential conflict. The Congress ultimately issued a declaration of rights and grievances, asserting the colonies' rights and calling for a halt to trade with Britain until those rights were restored. This assembly marked a significant step towards unity among the colonies and laid the groundwork for future collective action, ultimately leading to the outbreak of the Revolutionary War.