Summary of Iosef Stalin

Joseph Stalin was born Iosif Vissarionovich Dzhugashvili on December 21, 1879. He was born in Gori, Georgia. Iosif entered into a theological seminary in 1894. Five years later, in ’99, he was expelled. He was elected as a member of the Tiflis Social Democratic Committee. In 1902, he was arrested for the first time of several to come. A year later he married his wife, Yekaterina Svanidze. He was then later transported to Eastern Siberia. In 1904, he escapes Siberia, returns to Tiflis and becomes Bolshevik. He then adopts the alias Koba. That year his son, Yakov is born. The Russo-Japanese War also starts that year and in 1905 the Russian Revolution occurs.

Iosif joins the Caucasian combat unit, taking part in bank robberies in order to gather funds for the Bolshevik party. In the next year, his wife, Yekaterina Svanidze, dies of T.B., or tuberculosis. He then becomes a member of the Baku Bolshevik Committee. Iosif is exiled to Solvychegodsk, Northern Vologda, but escapes after four months and returns to Baku. Three years later he is then again arrested on a visit to St. Petersburg, deported to Western Siberia, escapes after 2 months, and returns to the capitol. Iosif also that year clearly takes the alias of “Stalin” which means “steal.” Stalin is then again arrested in St. Petersburg and this time exiled for four years.

In 1924, Lenin dies and, suspiciously, is chosen to succeed him. Stalin’s victory was a triumph for the Communist party control over all government branches. He sets up the Comintern, the Communism International; a guide for international revolutionary activity. He pulls back the revolutionary ideas in other states to concentrate solely on Russian development. Stalin represented the traditional anti-Western strain in Russia. In mid-1926, Zinoviev, Trotsky, and Kamenev are expelled from their positions. Joseph Stalin then begins his mass-censorship. Instead of killing and threatening them though, he buys the press and monopolizes it. He has his rivals killed or expelled.

In 1929, Stalin begins his system of Five Year Plans to help industrialize Russia completely and without Westernizing Russia. These were extremely successful. They were completely controlled and built up by the government and state. That year, Stalin also began his Collectivization, which was to help to Communize Russia agriculturally by putting the state in charge of agriculture and distribution. This was refused by many, thus was a failure and created a mass famine all over Russia.

Stalin ruled with an iron fist and totalitarian rule. From 1937 to 1938 he led his Great Purge, where all opponents to Stalin and his version of Communism were arrested, exiled, and executed. Most of them were in fact killed and thousands of others were exiled to coerced labor camps in Siberia.

During WWII, Stalin found it hard at first to find a solid ally to side with. In the end, Stalin fought with the Allies against Hitler, gaining back territories and showing the rest of the world that Russia was a true, strong superpower to be reckoned with.

Joseph Stalin, when looked at without moral outlooks, was a great leader, like Hitler. Also like Hitler, he was morally a terrible person, killing as many if not even more people than Hitler during his reign.

Latin America: Industrialization and Ecnomy

Since 1450, or more appropriately 1492, Latin America’s trade system has been molded and changed over the years due to industrialization, foreign investors, and other external and internal factors. The interactions of Latin Amerca with other nations along with its own regional factors have created those changes. Latin America starting out was near complete dependent upon foreign investors, would slowly build itself, and later on would become completely self-dependent.

The backbone of Latin America was its part in the Atlantic Slave Trade and Triangular Trade, African slaves. Indian annihilation lead to this need. Latin America had needed and been using African slaves for agriculture and mining, but around 1550, dependency increased. Between 1450 and 1850, 10 to 11 million slaves arrived to America. Between 1700 and 1800 was the highest import of African slaves. The Triangular/Atlantic slave trade went as follows: African slaves were exported to Latin America, where the raw materials and crops produced would be exported, through Spain, to the world, and finished luxury products would be exported from Europe to Latin America. This cycle would last all the way into the mid 1800’s.

Latin America’s trade and economy grew very slowly. Early discoveries of gold and silver production created the first basis of its economy. Mining of raw materials, metals, and especially silver would remain a huge source of Latin America’s trade and exports. The mines were usually started by private investors and companies, but backed by governments, primarily Spain. Mexico and Peru were the sites of huge silver mines which would continue to flow for years and years to come. The influx and import of so much silver would lead to higher prices and inflation in first Spain and later all of Europe. Silver mining/exports would make up more than 2/3 of Latin America’s economy, trade, and income.

Plantations, agriculture, and the crops produced would make up the majority of the rest of Latin America’s trade/exports. Sugar and cacao were two of the biggest major crops exported, but sugar was the ultimate largest. Sugar plantations would be and were set up from the very beginning of foreign investing, exploration, and discovery in Latin America. Sugar would also continue to be the major trade crop and economic booster and boom for Latin American nations and would continue to be a huge part, even into present day. There were still other trade crops as well, though. During the Bourbon reforms (the period when Spain was controlled by the Bourbon dynasty) state monopolies were formed on “essential” products such as tobacco and gunpowder. Cacao production/export was initiated by the private Caracas Company. There were strict limits on Latin American trade, contraband, and imports, which lead to complaints, rebellion, and conflicts between free-traders and those desiring import limits. Cuba’s economy boomed and became a plantation/slave colony, importing huge amounts of African slaves and exporting goods such as coffee, sugar, and tobacco. New demands for Latin American products cam around the 1850’s during expansion of the European economy. Brazilian coffee, beef and hides from Argentina, and grains and minerals in Chile created a base for growth. Guano, bird droppings used as fertilizer, was huge in Peru. Peru earned more than 10 million pounds from guano exports alone between 1850 and 1880. These economic boosts gave Latin America countries the ability to end Indian tribute and later on even slavery and completely coercive labor. This helped to almost “restart” Latin America.

After the many wars for independence of Latin America, the economy and trade staggered. The Industrial Revolution of Europe helped Latin America recover some from their wars for independence, but there were problems with this as well. During the time of industrialization, Latin America’s mining of minerals and resources also helped them and became a huge factor and part of their trade and the Industrial Revolution. There was almost no industry in Latin America though and they became nearly completely dependent on others and trading resources to them. There wasn’t enough capitol or investments in Latin America. But, as said, there were new, more demands for Latin American products (coffee, sugar, beef, drugs, guano). Latin America was then able to industrialize a bit and improve transportation and communication by introducing steamships and railroads. This helped open possibilities for trade with other countries. The U.S. though set up the Monroe Doctrine stating that no other countries could intrude in Latin American affairs or try any colonization. The U.S. was trying to cut off Latin America from the rest of the world and leaving Latin America’s resources, goods, and markets to them. Foreigners wanted the resources, though, and began investments, which helped Latin America immensely. Latin American economies were expanding due to exports. Each country seemed to have specialties; i.e.: bananas and coffee from Central America, tobacco and sugar from Cuba, and rubber and coffee from Brazil. These were extremely beneficial in allowing them to import more luxury goods and helping government fundings. They were risky though in that they were vulnerable and dependent on the condition of the outside world. They also lead to hostility and war, such as the War of the Pacific, in which Chile increased size by a third and Peru’s and Bolivia’s governments fell. Because of the rapidly expanding commerce and trade, there was a large interest from foreign investors from the major powers, the British, French, German, and the less major U.S. These investors helped the Latin American economy and provided capitol, but were lessening their independence. Much of Latin America began to industrialize. Foreign investments were encouraged and policies were changed to help promote investments as well. The U.S. especially began to take part and expand in investments. The U.S. backed Puerto Rico and Cuba in the Spanish-American War, but after helping them win independence, the U.S. took control themselves.

During WWI, Latin America had been somewhat cut off from the rest of the world in trade. Efforts during the Great Depression set estates to exporting more coffee, rubber, and sugar. Demands weren’t as high as production; therefore prices dropped and lowered demand for imports.

The success of the 19^th century continued on into the 20^th century during World War I. With each area/nation specializing in a certain crop, all they needed was demand to remain high and they would gain immense profit. Some immediate effects though from WWI would be the industrialization of Latin America. Being cut off from supplies of imports, they had to resort to producing these former imports themselves. Therefore, they experienced what some call import substitution industrialization. This was mostly light industry, such as textiles. Lack of capital, markets, and low technological advancements continued to plague them. WWI stimulated the economy at first, creating a high European demand for goods. This quickly dropped after the war and wages declined and conditions worsened. After the Great Stock Market Crash, investments and purchases declined and economic programs went bankrupt. After World War II, Latin America began to be isolated further. Towards the beginning of the Cold War, in the mid 1900’s, Cuba became public. Fidel Castro, a communist took control of Cuba, forcing the U.S. to isolate them and put a trade embargo on Cuba, meaning no one could trade with them. This was the last major event or change concerning the trade of Latin America. They still are huge agricultural producers and traders. Now, there is also a mass amount of drug Cartels, or major organizations devoted to or controlling a certain market (such as drugs such as cocaine, heroine, marijuana), in Latin America.

Latin America has had an ever-changing trade commerce. Since 1450 to present day they have undergone many different stages and ways of trade. Foreign investing, industrialization, wars and conflicts, and other internal and external factors have created the changes in Latin America’s part in the international trade network.

The Boston Tea Party: Setting the Scene for the American Revolution

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Boston Harbor a tea-pot tonight! Hurrah for Griffins Wharf! The Mohawks are come!” are the words that triggered the Boston Tea Party, the most archetypical protest in American history (Hull 25). The Bostonian colonists had been in plight since the arrival of new tea under the Tea Act. The Boston Tea Party was the colonies’ supreme protest of the Tea Act and tax. Although the colonies suffered greatly after, they were united even stronger and moved even closer to revolution and independence from Great Britain. The Boston Tea Party was a sign that America would be born from hostility and would serve as a foreshadowing of events to unfold into the American Revolution and would further influence its development ever since.

The Boston Tea Party was the reaction of the Bostonian colonists due to repeated antagonizing from Great Britain. The British excessively tried to suppress the colonists and make them into their subjects. They did so by repeatedly attempting to force their own legislature and taxes upon the colonists. The Writs of Assistance were the first of these British legislatures forced upon them. These were blank search warrants allowing the search and seizure of any property the British deemed necessary. The Writs of Assistance were one of the most despised of all acts forced on the colonists because they infringed upon the colonists’ rights and privacy and cut into the colonists’ smuggling (Hull 32). The Proclamation of 1763 was another act that would cause much disdain among the colonists. This proclamation restricted colonists from moving west from the Appalachian Mountains. The Proclamation of 1763 enraged the colonists because they felt it was their right to move west (Shonebarger). The Sugar Act was one of the first actual taxes on the colonists. This act taxed all sugars and molasses shipped to the colonies, upsetting many as sugar was a very important and beloved additive of the colonists. It infuriated them even more though because it was the first act used to directly raise money for Great Britain (Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum: Boston Tea Party History). The Stamp Act of 1765 was the next significant act put on the colonists. The Stamp Act put duties on all official documents which required colonists to buy a mandatory stamp with a tax on it. The act was protested throughout the colonies and was met with much aggression from colonists. In Boston, mobs formed and rioted, even destroying Massachusetts Governor Hutchinson’s house. The Stamp Act was repealed in 1766 due to the widespread outrage. After repealing the Stamp Act, the British found it necessary to state their right to tax the colonies if they so chose to (Hull 120-121).

The Townshend Acts were the next major legislature established in the colonies. These acts put duties on many imports and goods such as tea, paper, and glass (Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum: Boston Tea Party History). The revenue raised from these duties would be used to pay for the salaries of governors and other British government officials. Before the Townshend Acts, governors and government officials depended solely on the colonists for their wages. With colonists in control of wages, officials would be subject to answering to the colonies and taking more responsibility for their actions. These acts infuriated the colonists because they wanted to be in control of wages, but now they would no longer have that power over the government (Hull 8-9). The frustration and anger of the colonists toward the Townshend Acts gave rise to new leadership, especially from a Bostonian radical named Samuel Adams (Appy et al 84).

Samuel Adams, cousin of future president John Adams, was a radical and revolutionary. He emerged as a leader for citizens of Boston in calling for the repeal of the Townshend Acts and even severance from England. Samuel Adams would create the Sons of Liberty and Committee of Correspondence, radical spy and communications networks and group between Boston, Massachusetts and the rest of the colonies. Samuel Adams eagerly and openly protested against the Townshend Acts and other unjust legislatures and eventually led a boycott of all taxed goods. The Governor Hutchinson, Governor of Massachusetts, even complained that “Every dip of his pen stung like a horned snake.” Samuel Adams would go on to help end the Townshend Acts and to lead the country closer towards revolution (Appy et al 84).

After the emergence of such leadership as Samuel Adams, the Townshend Acts would be mostly repealed, but not before certain tragedy in 1770. On March 5, 1770, British soldiers shot into an angry mob of workers and youths, killing five colonists. This was the Boston Massacre. Colonists all over were outraged. Only two out of the eight soldiers who fired were convicted of manslaughter, and that did not even hold up. There was barely any response from Great Britain. Less than one month later, all but one duty of the Townshend Acts were repealed to calm things down. The one duty left from the Townshend Acts was the duty on tea to signify that Great Britain still had authority and power over the colonies. This angered many, yet they were willing to handle it for the time being and current peace (“Boston Tea Party”).

Without doubt, the leading cause of the Boston Tea Party would be the passing of the Tea Act. The Tea Act not only put a duty on tea, the beloved drink of the colonists, but also gave the East India Company a complete monopoly on the colonial tea trade (Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum: Boston Tea Party History). The East India Company had been the long-time, royal tea shipment company of Great Britain and was in financial trouble. The Tea Act was to help the nearly bankrupt shipping company by eliminating its tax and putting it on the colonists to pay. The Tea Act only allowed certain agents and merchants to distribute tea as well, ruining many people’s occupations. Also, the Tea Act threatened the Dutch tea trade and smuggling industry. Before the Tea Act, most bought tea smuggled from Holland because it was cheaper and better tasting. With the installment of the Tea Act, however, there would be almost no possible way for the trade to survive. This troubled and vexed even more colonists (“Boston Tea Party”). With the wake and anger caused by the Tea Act, more people were driven to follow Samuel Adams and his Sons of Liberty. Tea had been very popular, but people began to prefer to drink coffee, beer, or just go. It became a symbol of defiance, unity, and patriotism to boycott tea (Hull 8-9). The Tea Act became the final straw and would lead directly to the Boston Tea Party.

The Patriots of Boston were very diverse, just like Boston. Many were very skeptical of their unity (Liberty! The American Revolution). Groups of angry, concerned colonists organized together and called themselves Patriots. They banned together to oppose and protest the British policies. They held mass meetings and organized protests and activities. Their utmost goal was to achieve greater freedom for colonists (Hull 10-11). The radical Samuel Adams would lead the Sons of Liberty and Patriots together and welcomed all to the American colonists’ cause (Appy et al 84). Other clubs the Patriots joined include the Loyal Nine and Boston Committee of Correspondence. These groups wrote to other Patriots and Patriot groups calling for grater organization. These other groups were composed of other, later, key revolutionary leaders, such as Paul Revere, Joseph Warren, and John Hancock (Hull 11).

The Patriots were not just angry, uneducated citizens. Many held powerful, political ideologies. One major belief and right that echoed throughout all of the colonies and by every politician and lawyer was “taxation without representation,” which is the idea that the colonists were being taxed by Great Britain and Parliament, yet had no representative or voice in Parliament. This action was illegal, yet Great Britain declared that they owned the colonies, thus it did not apply (“Boston Tea Party”). Many other Patriots and intellectuals soon emerged to remonstrate the actions and policies of the British against the colonies.

Thomas Paine was an intellectual, radical, and outspoken revolutionary against the transgressions of his birth land, England. With his outspoken and inspirational pamphlet Common Sense, he became one of the most influential pamphleteers of all time. Thomas Paine wrote Common Sense, echoing the radical movement for Revolution against the British rule and taxing. Thomas Paine was able to express Colonial feelings and sentiment. Thomas Paine wrote, “Society in every state is a blessing but government even in its best state is but a necessary evil; in its worst state an intolerable one.” This statement depicts the Colonial feeling against the forced government of Great Britain on their society. Paine also wrote on monarchies and hereditary succession. He wrote that we are all “equals in order of creation,” thus there is no reason or justification for either. Paine also declared that they both cause wars and civil unrest. He stated that the disgruntled people must rise up and all will have to pay for the evils of the government and monarchies. Thomas Paine’s final reason and purpose was to make a call to arms. Paine wanted to “cajole hesitants into accepting break wit England both inevitable and justified [as] relations so intolerable only complete independence would suffice.” Thomas Paine believed that in a war with Britain, America would emerge the victor. He expressed this clearly in his final call to arms by stating, “Arms as last resource decide the contest” (Paine xvi-xviii). Paine spoke and wrote straight to the hearts of the Patriots and gives us a perfect example of the mindset of those Patriots and revolutionaries.

Much like Thomas Paine, John Locke was another very influential, radical, philosopher of the time. John Locke believed the power of the government came from the consent of the people. Thus, by this decree, Great Britain should answer to its colonies. Also, John Locke had the ideology and beliefs that all people are born free and equal, with natural rights to life, liberty, and property. Many of the Patriots and colonists followed and believed in John Locke’s ideology. The Patriots would carry it with them in their actions and would even become the framework for the Declaration of Independence (Shonebarger).

November 28, 1773, the Dartmouth, the first ship under the new Tea Act, arrived at Boston Harbor (Hull 11). As soon as the Patriots heard of the arrival, the Committee of Correspondence asked the importation officials to wait to log the arrival, but they could not and the ship was already in jurisdiction under the new Tea Act law (Labaree 128). Express riders were then sent out to tell of a meeting at Faneuil Hall to determine what to do with the Dartmouth. Five thousand people showed up at Faneuil Hall, which was too small. They moved the meeting to Old South Meeting House and John Hancock, a ship-owner, smuggler, and future revolutionary, mediated the meeting. Samuel Adams suggested they prevent the tea from being unloaded, refuse payment of the duty, and return it to England. The body approved the motion. A Son of Liberty, Dr. Thomas Young, foreshadowed the future by suggesting that only dumping the tea would suffice. The body disapproved of the motion due to high public respect for private property and the desire to return the tea back to the East India Company. The body then designated six experienced horseback riders as messengers whom were to alarm town of trouble and inform of unfolding events. Next, the body motioned to station a guard of twenty-five colonists over the Dartmouth. Francis Rotch, the owner of the Dartmouth then made his plea to the body (Hull 13-16).

Francis Rotch, a twenty-three year old Quaker, owned the controversial Dartmouth. His ship was the first tea ship to arrive under the new Tea Act, but it also had many other goods he felt more important and profitable that he wanted to sell. Rotch was pressured by the Patriots first to just return to sea, and later, to not report his ship. After getting advice from his father and John Adams, however, he declined because they suggested it would financially ruin him. Rotch then pleaded to the Patriots not to seize his ship or damage any goods. The Patriots declined and once again demanded he get permission to send the tea back (Hull 15-16). Rotch then went to Governor Hutchinson and the Consignees, the importation officials. Governor Hutchinson was in control of Boston and Massachusetts. Hutchinson hated the Patriots and wanted a bout with them. Hutchinson was hoping that the Consignees would hold out and not give in. He wanted to use the royal His Majesty’s army and navy to seize and land the Dartmouth and defeat the Patriots. Governor Hutchinson even went so far as to prepare the castle for the retreat of the Consignees. Hutchinson denied Rotch permission to leave the port.

As all of the colonies awaited to hear what would become of the Dartmouth in Boston, many events were unfolding in the quick eighteen day period between the arrival of the Dartmouth and the Boston Tea Party. In the first days after the Dartmouth’s arrival, the Boston government receded into the castle. The entire army, Governor, Consignees, officials, and others hide away. They stay out of fear of the Boston citizens (Labaree 133-134).

As all government receded and hid away, the Patriots and Committee of Correspondence took control of Boston. Samuel Adams and the radicals forced the Dartmouth to be brought up to Griffin’s Wharf. They did so because they feared the navy would attack if the Patriots board the ship by the castle and also feared the army would attack people if the castle had the Dartmouth. The Patriots began to threaten British and Tories, British sympathizers, with mob violence, destruction of stores, and tar and feathering. All of the pistols and weapons in Boston were even bought up by the Patriots just in case of a battle (Hull 16-20). Admiral Montague of the British Navy watched the Patriots from the castle. He was struck by the military conduct of the armed guard and even noted that they patrolled the waterfront “like sentinels in a garrison” (Labaree 133-134). Boston was growing tense and these events only showed the preparations and precautions everyone took because of their uncertainty for the future of the Dartmouth, Boston, and the Colonies.

On December 13, 1773, word was received about incidents in other colonies. New York and Philadelphia were both able to force the ships back to England and to convince the tea Consignees in their cities to resign. Now, it seemed, everyone was looking to Boston. Both sent word that they deeply feared the failure of Boston. That day, the Committee of Correspondence held a meeting with the heads of the five neighboring towns. The meeting was held all day and although the official minutes say that nothing important was discussed or decided, it is most likely to be then that the Boston Tea Party was planned (Hull 20-22).

At 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 16, 1773, a meeting was assembled at the Old South Meeting House in Boston, Massachusetts. A body of about seven thousand people gathered. Francis Rotch was brought before the body once again. A recess was given so he could appeal one last time to ship out. He was denied once again, but this time Sons of Liberty member Thomas Young defended Rotch and demanded nothing of his be damaged. Samuel Adams then stood and approached the front of the meeting house. Seemingly, as if a signal, Adams announced that all resources and tactics of the Patriots had been exhausted. “Boston Harbor a tea-pot tonight! Hurrah for Griffin’s Wharf! The Mohawks are come! Every man to his tent!” A group of Patriots dressed as Mohawk Indian waited at the door, cheering and whooping for all to follow (Hull 23-25).

The patriotic meeting was over! Now the Boston Tea Party had begun, as the crowd started to follow the “Mohawks” to Griffin’s Wharf. There were about fifty or so participants dressed up in guise for the revolutionary act of protest. Most were stern and prepared, but a few were drunk and hollering (Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum: Boston Tea Party History). Two-thirds of the participants were under twenty years old and most were common laborers. Most of the participants also kept the truth of their involvement secret until death.

The organization and leadership of the Boston Tea Party was thought to be very decisive and intellectual than most would think. Samuel Adams was once again a key player in the events. Although he did not take any actual part in the destruction of the tea, he did orchestrate and lead the Sons of Liberty and other Patriots who did get involved (“Boston Tea Party”). Paul Revere, the renowned horseman, was a leader of the mechanic class and helped gain supporters for the Boston Tea Party protest (Boston Tea Party Historical Society). There were definitely more methodical, higher-thinking people involved because of the careful, precise style in which the protest was executed. The actual destruction of the tea was so quiet, that people on shore could hear the hatchets whack at the wooden crates. Also, great precautions were taken to assure that no one took any tea. One man who was caught was beaten severely and stripped. Some Patriots even got into boats and made sure the tea either sank or mixed in the harbor (Labaree 144).

Three-hundred forty-two total chests of tea were methodically dumped into Boston Harbor from the Dartmouth and two other boats, the Eleanor and the Beaver, while the British watched the even unfold from afar without any intervention (Hull 85, Labaree 145). The navy had even gone out within one-hundred yards of the Dartmouth but took no action, nor tried to intercede in any way. Admiral Montague witnessed the Boston Tea Party from his house on Griffin’s Wharf and reported that he could have easily stopped it, but it would have endangered many innocents in Boston. As participants and Patriots marched past his house gloating with pride, he told them they would pay for their deed. And he was right (Labaree 145).

Colonists all over the colonies shared the same reaction and feelings about the Boston Tea Party, for the most part. The excitement and joy over the Boston Tea Party was so high and widespread that most colonists knew of the events by New Year’s. Most were jovial and relieved that the episode was over and done with (Labaree 152). John Adams, who was not involved but did witness it wrote, “This is the most magnificent of all. There is a dignity, a majesty, a sublimity in this last effort of the Patriots that I greatly admire,” in adoration of event. However, there were those that disapproved and were worried about the aftermath. Most kept quiet and hidden though. The Tories and those who were nervous did not dare raise protest, out of fear of further violence towards them (Labaree 152).

The British took severe measures to suppress and take back control of the colonies, especially Boston, Massachusetts, in the immediate aftermath of the Boston Tea Party. Parliament was outraged at this demonstration from the colonists. They demanded immediate compensation for the tea. They never would receive any payment (“Boston Tea Party”). Parliament then declared Governor Thomas Hutchinson worthless and decided to replace him. General Thomas Gage was made Governor of Massachusetts. Governor Gage immediately instated Marshall Law and Boston Harbor was immediately closed. Benjamin Franklin, a politician and constructor of the USA and Declaration of independence, was the Massachusetts agent to Great Britain. He was harshly censured for the Patriots’ actions (Liberty! The American Revolution). The next step of the British in punishing Boston and the colonies was the passing of the Intolerable Acts.

The Intolerable Acts were legislature used to utterly punish and suppress Boston, Massachusetts, and the rest of the colonies swiftly and effectively. The Intolerable Acts, officially known as the Coercive Acts by the British, were to ensure the prevention of future uprisings by the colonies. The Intolerable Acts made all Massachusetts assemblies, mass meetings, and local town meetings illegal. If desired, colonists could ask permission from the Governor General Gage, but would most likely be denied. This measure was instituted to ensure the colonists could not plan or orchestrate another revolt. Next, the Intolerable Acts exempted British officials from trial in the Massachusetts colony. Lastly, the Quartering Act was instated into the Intolerable Acts. The Quartering Act allowed for the housing of soldiers in the homes of citizens where deemed as necessary by military leaders (“Boston Tea Party’). The Intolerable Acts were effectively used to punish, harm, and control the colonies, especially Massachusetts, in many ways.

Another “intolerable act” installed upon the colonies was the Quebec Act. The Quebec Act initially gave the land east of the Mississippi River and north of the Ohio River to the Quebec province, which was mostly French. This angered the colonists because many had already claimed land there and felt it their right to explore and settle there. The Quebec Act also granted religious freedom to Catholics, who colonists despised and distrusted, as most colonists were Protestants. The Protestant colonists did not trust Catholics and did not want any encouragement of the spread of Catholicism in the Americas or the colonies. The colonists felt that this was another deliberate punishment and assault on the freedoms and feelings of the colonies. Although the Quebec Act was not intentionally a punishment, it was the last initial punishment and blow to the colonists for the Boston Tea Party (Hull 110-111).

Although the Intolerable Acts, Quebec Act, and other actions were taken by the British to break, punish, and weaken the colonies, the colonies were in fact strengthened much more. There was a much greater sense of unity created and felt throughout all of the colonies. The British response in fact helped unify the colonists and brought them even closer to a movement towards American independence (World Book). As response to the closing of Boston’s port, food, money, supplies, and other goods were sent to Boston to help relieve suffering. With the port closed, thousands lost jobs and were unable to get supplies, so the items sent from the other colonies helped immensely. To help address the issues and find resolves, the colonists would meet in the First Continental Congress.

The colonies held the First Continental Congress in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Fifty-six delegates met to decide on further action in which to protest Great Britain. The colonies created and signed a Non-Importation Pact in which the colonists would boycott all British goods until the annulment of the Intolerable Acts and Quebec Act. They also drafted a Declaration of Colonial Rights and Grievances, which declared the Intolerable Acts and Marshall Law in Massachusetts as unconstitutional, as they were against the Massachusetts charter. The First Continental Congress also declared the creation of militias in New England colonies. They would train, practice drills, and store up supplies in case the colonies needed to defend themselves. The First Continental Congress declared that if their demands were not met by mid 1775, they would take further action (Appy et al 86).

After the First Continental Congress, tensions escalated as the New England militias were growing. They had been practicing drills and readying supplies for an attack or defense. In 1775, Massachusetts militias ran into British troops at the towns of Lexington and Concord. The Battle of Lexington and Concord rang out across the world and sounded off the American Revolution. The war between Great Britain and American colonies had begun. The struggle for independence would lead the American colonists to victory and to the birth of the United States of America (Hull 121, Labaree 264).

As Labaree says, “The Coercive Acts threatened Colonists’ freedoms, thus a Continental Congress was made to decide on what to do…Revolution!” The Boston Tea Party, a single act of protest, had brought on the necessary steps which would lead the colonists toward revolution and security of independence and freedom. The Boston Tea Party had built up a country of anger, tension, excitement, and unity that would bring all together for a common cause. The Boston Tea Party was a sign of many things to come and characterized the American culture. First, the Boston Tea Party was a symbol and architect of the American culture of protest, candor, and violence. Our culture has been defined by this symbol as our prime example of protest, as we can see so much of in today’s culture. America is also very forthright in his actions, declarations, and emotions. America’s people have no problem with protesting and expressing anything. Also, the Boston Tea Party proved that our country would be born from violence, which has always been and will continue to be a major part of our culture. This can be seen in everyday life, the media, and our actions across the world. Most importantly though, the Boston Tea Party showed how if our country comes together truly and works at a common goal, we can and will accomplish anything for the good of all mankind.

Works Cited

Appy, DiBacco, and Loran Mason. History of The United States. Evanston: Houghtin Mifflin Co., 1995.

Boston Tea Party Historical Society. The Boston Tea Party Historical Society. 9 April 2007. <http://www.boston-tea-party.org/>.

“Boston Tea Party,” Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia. 2007. Microsoft. 3 April 2007. <http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761565150/Boston_Tea_Party.html>.

Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum: Boston Tea Party History. Historic Tours of America, Inc. 3 April 2007. <http://www.bostonteapartyship.com/history.asp>.

“Boston Tea Party.” The World Book Encyclopedia. 2006 ed.

Hull, Mary E. The Boston Tea Party in American History. New Jersey: Enslow Publishers, Inc, 1999.

Labaree, Benjamin Woods. The Boston Tea Party. New York: Oxford University Press, 1964.

Liberty! The American Revolution. PBS. 3 April 2007. <http://www.pbs.org/ktca/liberty/chronicle_boston1774.html>.

Paine, Thomas. Common Sense. New York: Barnes and Nobles, Inc, 199

Shonebarger, Andy. “The Revolutionary Era.” U.S. History Class. Bishop Brossart High School, Alexandria, KY. 28 Aug. 2006.