The Rest Is History 348: The Boston Tea Party (Part 2)
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Jul 6, 2023 In this engaging discussion, Oxford Professor Adam Smith, an expert on American history, delves deep into the Boston Tea Party's significance. He explores the tensions sparked by the Tea Act and the organizational fury that fueled colonial discontent. Smith provides insights on George Washington's rise as commander-in-chief, while also challenging listeners to consider the overlooked complexities of slavery during the revolution. This conversation paints a vivid picture of a pivotal moment that ignited the American quest for independence.
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John Adams's Reaction to the Boston Tea Party
- John Adams described the Boston Tea Party as an epoch in history, admiring the patriots' daring act.
- Americans, in his view, possessed a unique eloquence reminiscent of individuals from Devon.
The Tea Act's True Purpose
- The Tea Act of 1773 aimed to bail out the struggling East India Company, not to punish Americans.
- It allowed direct tea exports to the colonies, undercutting smuggled Dutch tea and aiming to reinforce the Navigation Acts.
Colonial Resistance and Representation
- The colonists' resistance stemmed from the Tea Act's reassertion of parliamentary sovereignty over American affairs.
- Their slogan, "No taxation without representation," reflected their understanding of English liberties and was not a novel concept.
