What was the Boston Tea Party — Reading Comprehension

The Boston Tea Party took place on December 16, 1773, in Boston, Massachusetts. It was an important event in American history that happened before the American Revolution. During this time, the American colonies were ruled by Great Britain. The British government made colonists pay taxes on many goods, including tea, which upset many people living in the colonies.

The British passed a law called the Tea Act in 1773. This law gave the British East India Company the only right to sell tea in the colonies. Even though the price of tea was lower, colonists were angry because they had to pay a tax without having any say in the British government. This idea became known as "taxation without representation".

A group called the Sons of Liberty decided to protest the Tea Act. On the night of December 16, 1773, some members dressed as Mohawk Indians and boarded three ships in Boston Harbor. They threw 342 chests of tea into the water to show they were against the tax. One participant later said, "We were merry, in an undertone, at our work."

The Boston Tea Party made the British government very angry. They punished Boston by closing the harbor and passing new laws called the Intolerable Acts. These actions made many colonists even more determined to fight for their freedom. The Boston Tea Party became a symbol of standing up for rights and helped lead to the start of the American Revolution.

Interesting Fact: After the Boston Tea Party, the value of the destroyed tea was over $1 million in today’s money!

When did the Boston Tea Party happen?

Where did the Boston Tea Party take place?

How many chests of tea were dumped?

Why were colonists angry about the Tea Act?

What was 'taxation without representation'?

What happened after the Boston Tea Party?

The Sons of Liberty protested the Tea Act. True or false?

What does 'Intolerable Acts' mean?