As the British Empire emerged as victors of the Seven Years' War in 1763, they found themselves deeply in debt. Therefore, they looked to the colonies of North America to help relieve their burden. The British hoped to generate revenue though imposing taxes on the colonies. This was met with rebellion among colonists. Britain continued to pursue methods to compensate elected officials and generate income. On April 27, 1773, Parliament accepted resolutions which ultimately culminated in the passing of the Tea Act on May 10th; this act granted the British East India Company a monopoly on the sale of teas in the American colonies. The colonists rejected this act and rebelled in a variety of ways. Rising tensions eventually led to the Boston Tea Party. View the videos below to learn about the circumstances that led to the Tea Act, reactions among the British and the colonists which ultimately led to the Revolutionary War.
