1. Causes of the Boston Tea Party
Mr. Monachino
Seton Catholic Central

2. What is the Boston Tea Party?
December 17, 1773
150 Men dumped 342 chests of tea into Boston Harbor
Major Leaders: John Hancock and Sam Adams

3. Causes of Boston Tea Party
British enforcement of smuggling duties
The Sugar Act (1764)
Stamp Act (1765)
Townshend Acts (1767)
Boston Massacre (1770)
Tea Act (1773)

4. Your Job!
As we discuss each of the major causes, fill out this handout and explain how each caused the Boston Tea Party!

5. British Enforcement of Smuggling Laws
British need money to pay off debts from French and Indian War
Catch smugglers; which was everyone
1763: All people accused of smuggling would be tried in Admiralty Courts
Not colonial courts where accused would be acquitted by sympathetic juries

6. Sugar Act (1764)
Raised taxes on sugar, molasses, silk, wine, and coffee

7. Stamp Act (1765) Taxed all printed materials Newspapers Mortgages
Licenses
Playing Cards
Etc.
Repealed in 1766

8. Townshend Act (1767) Taxes on glass, lead, paper, paint, and tea
Allowed British customs officers to search any ship.

9. Boston Massacre (1770)
British troops were sent to the colonies to enforce the Acts
Snow balls and rocks thrown at soldiers
No one knows how shots first fired
5 Colonists Dead
John Adams: Boston Massacre Scene

10. Tea Act (1773) Actually lowered the cost of tea!
Made British shipped Tea cheaper than the Colonial smuggled Dutch Tea
Colonists were set to lose lots of revenue

11. Questions How did each tax/event cause the Boston Tea Party?
Which one was the most important?
Which one was the least important?
How would Britain respond to the Party?

12. Relating to Today Modern Day Tea Party Movement
How does this relate to Tea Party of 1773?

13. More Information on Boston Tea Party
How Stuff Works: Boston Tea Party
Eye Witness Account