December 16, 1773 – The Boston Tea Party

December 16

Copy of The Boston Tea Party Lithograph

One of the most memorable events in the American Revolution occurred on the evening of December 16, 1773, in Boston Harbor. The Boston Tea Party became a significant protest for independence, as American colonists firmly rejected further policies imposed by Britain.

The protest resulted from the Tea Act of 1773, a British government policy granting the British East India Company a direct selling license to the colonists at lower costs. When performed, the legislation appeared to have positive intent but was accompanied by a price that colonials considered unlawful. They had no voice in the UK Parliament and believed a distant government unfairly controlled them.

In response, members of the Sons of Liberty took action. They disguised themselves as Mohawk Native Americans to remain anonymous, then boarded three British ships in Boston Harbor. They dumped 342 chests of tea into the harbor all night. It was enormous, representing a huge financial loss for the East India Company and making a bold statement against British authority.

As the night wore on, the colonists worked quickly and methodically, destroying as much tea as possible without causing harm to the ships or the surrounding property. The incident lasted for hours, with groups of men precisely organizing and executing the plan. The event was a symbol of defiance and a demonstration of unity.

The Boston Tea Party brought little results. Instead of bringing the tensions down, it only increased them. The British government responded by punishing Massachusetts and asserting control, but the colonists became even more united in their resistance.

This event was not just about tea or taxes. It reflected that the colonists were very willing to rebuild their future, and nobody could stop them at any cost. The Boston Tea Party shows that a revolution can only start somewhere with instant action, no matter how intense the opposition is.