Prologue

According to a time line developed by historian Richard B. Morris, a series of British actions, including new taxes and the quartering of British troops, led to protests by American colonists that took the form of intimidation of British officials and smuggling.

Boston Tea Party

In 1773, the British Parliament lowered the tax on imported British tea, giving it an unfair advantage over tea sold by American merchants. In protest, a group of Bostonians dressed as Indians stormed British merchant ships and threw the tea into the harbor.

Coercive Acts

In response to the Boston Tea Party, Parliament passed a series of measures known as the "Coercive Acts" including an order to close the port of Boston. Rear Admiral John Montagu, commanding the North American Squadron, was ordered to enforce the measure with a blockade.

Political Consequences

As a result of the Coercive Acts and the blockade of Boston, colonists from all 13 colonies sent representatives to the First Continental Congress, which met in Philadelphia in September of 1774. In Massachusetts, colonists organized militias and began to store arms and ammunition.

End of Blockade

War broke out between the colonists and the British in April of 1775. An army under the command of Gen. George Washington laid siege to the city, finally forcing the British to leave in March of 1776 and ending the blockade.

Source:

Timeline of Events Preceding the Boston Tea Party, Boston Tea Party Historical Society

Berryhill & Sturgeon, Ltd., 1774 - Admiral of the Blue Montagu Blockades Boston

timelines.com, The Siege of Boston

More Information:

The Massachusetts Historical Society