preview

What Is The Tea Act Of 1773 Dbq

Good Essays

Aditya Prasad
Mr. Craig
U.S. History I
9 April 2018
TEA ACT

The Tea Act of 1773 was a British Law, passed by the Parliament of Great Britain on May 10, 1773. Under this Act, British East India Company could directly sell their tea in the American colonies compared to selling its tea only in auction in London. Further the duties charged on the tea shipped to American colonies would be waived. (https://www.bostonteapartyship.com/the-tea-act) The tea act was one of the crucial act and turning points in the history of American colonies that later led to the revolutionary war. It was series of many acts that sparked the revolutioanlry war. The Tea Act was different because because it showed that colonies valued principles more that money. …show more content…

The American colonists in the ports of Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Charleston had time to consider the implications and impact of the Tea Act before the ships laden with tea arrived in their harbors. They had time to plan their responses and what action they could take against the Tea Act: The press became more active in its political discussions, Circulars and handbills were printed and distributed, The Sons of Liberty organized public demonstration against the British government, Public meetings were held - everyone got to hear about the Tea Act resulting in strong Anti-British attitudes. Americans decided they would continue to boycott tea from the British. To enforce the Nonimportation Agreements by merchants not to purchase British goods. A public meeting was held in Philadelphia and there was agreement that anyone who aided in “unloading, receiving, or vending” the tea was an enemy to his country. The colonists agreed that the Consignees, who were supposed to receive the tea, should “resign their appointment”. The Sons of Liberty reorganized and owners and occupants of stores were warned against harboring the tea, and all who bought, sold or handled it, were threatened as enemies to the …show more content…

Three ships- Beaver, Dartmouth and Eleanor arrived in the Boston harbor. The sons of liberty group wanted to send back the ships without unloading them but Lieutenant Governor and Chief Justice of Massachusetts, Thomas Hutchinson held them back. On December 16, 1773, a group of men dressed up as Native Americans boarded the company ships, opened the tea chests and dumped them into Boston harbor. This later came to be known as Boston Tea Party. Even to this day, around the anniversary of Boston Tea Party, a reenactment is thrown in Boston. British Government condemned the Boston Tea Party act and came down very hard on the

Get Access