ERA 3: Revolution and the New Nation (1754–1820s)
"The Sparck of Rebellion" (Boston Tea Party), by Douglas Brinkley
Guiding Questions
When did the American Revolution begin?
Who is to blame for the conflict between American Radicals and the British government?
Were American Radicals looking for any excuse to fight with the British?
The Boston Tea Party
Teacher-to-Teacher
The essay "The Sparck of Rebellion" by historian Douglas Brinkley provides a good introduction to a topic which is far more complex than generally thought. The essay should be used in conjunction with a primary text or other sources so that students can better understand the event. The probable motivations of the belligerent parties, to the extent that anyone two hundred years later can fathom them, should be outlined for students as they study the birth pangs of the United States.
- "The Sparck of Rebellion" (Winter 2010 | Volume: 59, Issue: 4) articles_ah
- The Coffin of Patrick Carr historical_documents
- Eyewitness Account of George Hewes historical_documents
- The Boston Port Act, 1774 historical_documents
- The Massachusetts Government Act, 1774 historical_documents
- The Administration of Justice Act, 1774 historical_documents
- The Bostonians Paying the Excise Man, or Tarring and Feathering historical_images
- The able doctor, or, America swallowing the bitter draught historical_images
- Orders To Lieut. Colonel Smith, 10th Regiment ’Foot historical_documents
- British Expedition and Patriot Messengers Map historical_images
- Diary of John Barker- Excerpt historical_documents
- A Narrative, of the Excursion and Ravages of the King ’s Troops Under the Command of General Gage, on the nineteenth of April, 1775: Together with the Depositions... historical_documents