American History: The Boston Tea Party Movement

One of the most iconic acts of rebellion from American history is the Boston Tea Party. Dressed as Indians, the Brothers of Liberty snuck onto three boats and dumped British-backed East India Trading Company tea into the Boston Harbor. This was in response to unfair taxation being implemented on the American Colonies. That was some 200-plus years ago when times were very different, but through their acts of bravery and courage, they have inspired a movement today called the Tea Party Movement. Different from the Boston Tea Party, the Tea Party Movement is a political group rather than one act of rebellion. However, both share the same goal of creating a better country that values freedom above all else. Despite being considered more of an extreme

Rather, it was a slow shift of attitude in the minds of many average Americans. A revival of conservative values that called for a smaller government, lowering of the debt, control of the Southern border, protection of Constitutional Rights (particularly the 2nd Amendment) and traditional family values. These things have seemed to be growing less and less of a priority to the representatives in Washington D.C.. Despite the slow beginning, the Tea Party definitely had an explosive burst onto the national scene. In 2009, Rick Santelli, a business commentator for CNBC, was talking about Obama’s mortgage relief plan and the negatives it would bring. “Santelli heatedly stated that the bailout would ‘subsidize the losers’ mortgages’ and proposed a Chicago Tea Party to protest government intervention in the housing market” (Ray). This call was the ignition to what the Tea Party would do, and from this point on the Tea Party grew and many around America began to join. According to the New York Times in 2010, the very next election cycle, Tea Party candidates running for office won 44 total spots in Congress. Five of the victories were in the Senate and 39 were in the House (“How the Tea Party Fared”). These successes caused the Republican establishment to accept the Tea Party rebels. However, as time passed and more seats in Congress were up for grabs, the Tea Party did not fare very

Most likely, liberals will see it as a time when racist right-wing extremists took over the Republican Party. Liberal political strategist Stephanie Schriock stated, “The unfortunate truth is that this chaotic new low is the new normal for the Republican Party” (Schriock). This is her response to the Tea Party playing an increasingly larger role in the Republican Party and obviously shows her disapproval of it. This type of thought is very common amongst democrats. On the other hand, Republicans will most likely view this conservative surge as a positive influence. Though many establishment members are against it now, in the future they will realize the importance the Tea Party had on the GOP. The Tea Party was a group of normal American people that saw something they did not like and wanted a change. By speaking out about what they wanted, they were able to revitalize the conservative values that are at the core of the Republican Party. Things like small government, low taxes, and traditional family values. History as a whole should see this as a great representation of what America is all about. People of this nation wanted a change, so they came together and started a movement that would have a lasting impact on how their country was run. The Tea Party passionately pursued their goal of bringing about a new