The goal of this inquiry is to help students analyze a pivotal event within the American Revolution. Nearly every American student is familiar with the actions of the Sons of Liberty, yet this inquiry sheds light on the motivations for and consequences of The Boston Tea Party, a turning point in Colonial-British relations. Students look at the grievances of American colonists prior to 1773, and then examine their choice of action, as well as the British response. This inquiry invites students to use multiple perspectives to assess historic and modern-day cries for justice and why revolutionaries often break laws to further their cause. This analysis and application is key to helping students engage in what it means to think and act like historians.
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About the inquiry
Compelling Question
The Boston Tea Party: Activism or Vandalism?
Staging Question
Label a series of modern photographs as examples of “activism” or “vandalism” or “both.” Use this discussion to make an initial judgment about the Boston Tea Party.
Why were the colonists upset and what actions had they already taken to resolve their problems with Great Britain?
Formative TasksCreate a T-Chart listing the colonists’ grievances and the steps they had taken before the night of December 16, 1773.
SourcesSource A: Summary of the Boston Tea Party from the DPLA website.
Source B: A Petition to the selectmen of Boston for the resignation of the tea consignees, Nov. 17, 1773.
Source C: An excerpt from Tea Leaves, an 1884 collection of letters and documents.
What actually happened at the Tea Party on December 16, 1773?
Formative TasksDraw a storyboard of the events that happened on December 16, 1773.
SourcesSource A: An excerpt from Traits of the Tea Party, a memoir of George Hewes, a Tea Party participant, 1835.
Source B: A Broadside from 1876, reproducing a postscript to the Pennsylvania Gazette from Dec. 24, 1773, about the destruction of tea in Boston.
Was Great Britain’s reaction to the Tea Party justified?
Formative TasksDevelop a claim supported by evidence defending or condemning Britain’s treatment of the colonists after the Tea Party.
SourcesSource A: A notice from Boston announcing the British law blocking Boston Harbor until the East India Company was compensated for its lost tea, 1774.
Source B: A cartoon titled “Bostonians in Distress” published in London, 1774.
Summative Performance Task
Argument: Boston Tea Party: Activism or Vandalism? Construct an argument (e.g., detailed outline, poster, essay) that addresses the compelling question, using specific claims and relevant evidence from historical sources while acknowledging competing views.
Extension: Research a present-day social activist group and share the list of their grievances, the actions they have taken, and the response of the government. During a class discussion, determine whether they are activists, vandals, or both.
Taking Informed Action
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