The Boston "Tea party" 6

In 1773, Britain created a significant issue for Adams and his allies. The East India Company, facing financial troubles, received a monopoly on tea exported to the colonies and was allowed to sell directly to retailers, ignoring local wholesalers. Most American tea was smuggled and duty-free, but the East India Company sold its tea at lower prices, threatening colonial merchants. This upset traders and fueled the movement for independence. In Boston, agents defied colonists and prepared to land tea. On December 16, 1773, led by Samuel Adams, men disguised as Mohawk Indians dumped the tea into the harbor. British officials condemned this act, fearing loss of control over the colonies.