On This Day: December 16th - The Boston Tea Party

On this date in the year 1773, the Boston Tea Party occurred. It came about from rising tensions between the American Colonies and Britain. As the colonies became more independent, Britain struggled to maintain power as the "mother" country to America. They attempted to retain power through taxation and by giving the colonies little power and representation. Colonial farmers and merchants became increasingly frustrated with the taxes. Britain controlled the colonies through "Acts of Trade" which limited trade within the colonies. Trade became more independent in the colonies as people realized oversight was minimal. Britain was all the way across the ocean.

As the colonies created more export items, Britain continued excepting them which angered many colonists. In 1764, Britain created the Sugar Act which taxed sugar products and acted as a form of income to Britain. In 1765, the Stamp Act was created and required a tax on stamped items. James Otis stated "Taxation without representation is tyranny". Citizens of Boston revolted by burning stamps and the Stamp Act was repealed. Trying to cling to control through taxation, Britain created another tax on glass, paper, paints and tea. This tax failed as merchants refused to accept it. Britain only retained the tax on tea after that. In 1773, three ships arrived at Boston Harbor carrying tea. Colonists did not allow the tea to be unloaded. If the shipments were not unloaded within 20 days, customs officers had the right to unload them according to Britain rule. The 19th day arrived and several rebel patriots began dumping the tea into Boston Harbor. They had a "Tea Party" as many put it. This act was important in American History and was an event that helped lead to the Revolutionary War.