Book Review: America's Tea Parties: Not One But Four!

America’s Tea Parties: Not One But Four! Boston, Charleston, New York, Philadelphia, by Marissa Moss, ABRAMS, New York, 2016.

This is an interesting read, and explains the original tea parties better than anything I have read.  I was always under the mistaken impression there was just the tea party in Boston, and didn’t know about the others.  In fact the author points out there were numerous tea parties, some small and some larger.   Sevem tea boats were sent to America, with the added tax attached.  Americas made a commitment not to accept the tea, and not to pay the tax.  Boston was the first "tea party.”  To assure the tea wasn’t used or tax collected, it was dumped into the sea.  The protestors were careful not to damage other property, even replacing a padlock.  In some instances tax collectors were tar and feathers, using pine tar so no physical injury was afflicted.  The British responded by occupying Boston, and closing the port.  They intended to keep the port closed until the destroyed tea with the tax, was paid for.  The British also passed several oppressive laws in response.  The heavy-handed response, further emboldened the Americans.  In fact many stopped being British at this time and became Americans.  Also the colonies began acting in concert with a joint goal, not to accept any tea from England.  Before this, American enjoyed a cup of tea.  However many committed not to drink tea.  The beverage of choice was thereafter coffee.  The actions surrounded the tea parties would galvanize the Americans, and eventually lead to the Revolutionary War.