Historic Act of Defiance

Worksheet Description

The worksheet details the Boston Tea Party, one of the defining acts of protest that escalated tensions leading to the American Revolution. It describes the event’s background, including the Tea Act’s imposition, which granted the British East India Company a monopoly on tea sales to the colonies and led to widespread colonial unrest due to perceived unfair taxation without representation. The account covers the night of December 16, 1773, when colonists, some disguised as Mohawk Indians, boarded British ships and dumped tea into Boston Harbor in protest. The worksheet also touches on the aftermath of the event, including the British response and the impact on American sentiment towards independence.

This educational resource is designed to teach students about the Boston Tea Party’s role in American history as a symbol of resistance and one of the catalysts of the Revolutionary War. It provides a detailed narrative that helps students understand the connection between taxation, colonial policy, and active rebellion. The document also aims to illustrate the strategic and symbolic nature of historical protests and how they can influence political outcomes. By learning about the Boston Tea Party, students gain insight into the complexities of pre-revolutionary America and the steps leading to the formation of a new nation.