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Defiance Of The Patriots : The Boston Tea Party And The Making Of America

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In the novel, Defiance of the Patriots: The Boston Tea Party and the Making of America, the author Benjamin L. Carp gives an incredibly in-depth description of the events of the Boston tea party. In the Introduction, Carp argues that the “party” was not a singular event, but rather a catalyst for the impending Revolution. He presents each chapter as a new aspect of the event while offering primary sources, letters, newspapers, and magazines as compelling evidence. Each chapter is focused on a very specific topic and perfectly leads to the next. Carp gives the reader a concise layout of context, causes, proceedings, and the aftermath of this rebellious show of resolve and determination. By giving the reader the political and cultural …show more content…

Because of this, it is easy to see why wealthy and prominent figures such as Thomas Hutchinson – who would later become governor – were so hated by the lower classes. They were the people who would vote in favor of bills that make smuggling goods more costly and difficult. In addition to the distaste for the affluent, Carp also brings attention to the effectiveness of Boston “crowding”. Society in Boston, being tight-quartered and boisterous, gave way to a close town of friends. The Bostonian’s would often band together for such rowdy times as Pope’s Day. This annual celebration of destruction and effigies were often duplicated when the colonist met a rise in price or an unfriendly customs officer. One can only imagine the reaction when the Stamp Act was passed. Merchants, artisans, and the lower class all collaborated to violently oppose this act. Carp views this as the foreshadowing of the tea party and many of the Bostonian’s first brush with opposing Parliament. One of the largest points that the author makes is the significance of tea to the people in the colonies. While there were many who thought that tea was evil and caused health issues, the overwhelming majority of colonist were obsessed. Tea was something new and seen as a luxury item. It took a six-month voyage for the EIC to bring to the precious leaves to Boston. Once there, it was auctioned to those who could afford it. While the bourgeoisie sipped their tea and

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