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A look at the events like the Boston Tea Party that led to the first shots of the war.
Imagine being so angry about a tax on your favorite drink that you would sneak onto a ship at night and dump 92,000 pounds of it into the ocean! Why would a cup of tea lead to the birth of a new nation?
In the 1770s, many American colonists were furious with Great Britain. The British King and Parliament were passing laws and taxes without asking the colonists first. This led to the famous cry: 'No Taxation Without Representation!' To fight back, a secret group called the Sons of Liberty was formed. Led by figures like Samuel Adams, they organized protests and urged colonists to boycott (refuse to buy) British goods. They weren't just complaining; they were organizing a movement to protect what they felt were their natural rights as citizens.
Quick Check
What was the main goal of the Sons of Liberty?
Answer
To protest British taxes and laws that were passed without the colonists' consent.
On the cold night of December 16, 1773, the Sons of Liberty took their biggest stand yet. Disguised as Mohawk Indians to hide their identities, they boarded three British ships in Boston Harbor. They worked for hours, smashing open 342 chests of tea with axes and tossing them into the water. This wasn't just a mess; it was a massive financial blow to the British. In today's money, that tea would be worth over $1,000,000! This event, known as the Boston Tea Party, showed King George III that the colonists would no longer follow laws they had no part in making.
Let's look at the scale of the protest: 1. There were ships involved. 2. They dumped chests of tea. 3. Each chest weighed about pounds. 4. Total tea destroyed: pounds of tea!
Quick Check
Why did the Sons of Liberty disguise themselves during the Boston Tea Party?
Answer
To hide their identities so they wouldn't be arrested for destroying British property.
The British were angry about the tea and sent soldiers to control the colonies. In April 1775, British troops marched toward Concord to seize a secret stash of colonial weapons. However, riders like Paul Revere galloped through the night to warn the local militia (called Minutemen because they could be ready in a minute). The two sides met at Lexington on April 19. A single shot rang out—no one knows who fired it—but it started a battle. This 'Shot Heard 'Round the World' marked the official start of the American Revolutionary War.
The warning system used a mix of signals and speed: 1. Two lanterns were hung in the Old North Church ('One if by land, two if by sea'). 2. Paul Revere rode approximately to miles from Boston to Lexington. 3. Because of this warning, about Minutemen were waiting for British soldiers at dawn.
Which group was responsible for organizing the Boston Tea Party?
Where were the first shots of the American Revolution fired?
The colonists were happy to pay taxes as long as the tea was high quality.
Review Tomorrow
In 24 hours, try to explain to a friend why the 'Shot Heard 'Round the World' was such a big deal for the future of America.
Practice Activity
Draw a map showing the path from Boston to Lexington and Concord, and mark where the 'Midnight Ride' took place.