Sons Of Liberty By: JMD

The Group The Sons of Liberty was a political group made up of American Patriots that originated in the pre-independence North American British Colonies. The leaders of the Sons of Liberty heralded mostly from the middle class- artisans, traders, lawyers and local politicians. The group was formed to protect the rights of the colonists from the usurpations by the British government after They are best known for undertaking the Boston Tea Party in 1773, which led to the Intolerable act (an intense crackdown by the British government), and a counter- mobilization by the Patriots that led directly to the American Revolution in 1775.

Origin After 1765 the major American cities saw the formation of secret groups set up to defend what they considered their rights. Boston had the "Boston Caucus Club," led by Samuel Adams and comprising artisans, merchants, tradesmen, and professionals, as well as the "Loyal Nine". Groups such as these were absorbed into the greater Sons of Liberty organization. Its name comes from a speech in the British Parliament by Colonel Isaac Barre’ referring to the colonials as sons of liberty.

Mission Though they were speaking out against the actions of the British government, they still claimed to be loyal to the Crown. Their initial goal was to ensure their rights as Englishmen. Throughout the Stamp Act Crisis, the Sons of Liberty professed continued loyalty to the King because they maintained a "fundamental confidence" in the expectation that Parliament would do the right thing and repeal the tax.

Battle Of Golden Hill In New York City the Sons of Liberty would put up liberty poles to stand as a testament to their resolve. The British soldiers would tear them down almost as soon as they were put up. This back and forth action resulted in several skirmishes between the two sides. Most notable among these engagements was the Battle of Golden Hill on January 19, 1770, in which many people were injured and at least one killed. Violent outbreaks over the pole raged intermittently from 1766 until the patriots gained control of New York City government in April 1775.

Rebellious Stripes In 1767, the Sons of Liberty adopted a flag called the “rebellious stripes flag” with nine uneven vertical stripes (five red and four white). It is supposed that nine represent ed the number of colonies that were to attend the Stamp Act Congress.

Members Paul ReverePaul Revere- silversmith, Boston John HancockJohn Hancock- merchant/smuggler/fire warden, Boston James OtisJames Otis- lawyer, Massachusetts John AdamsJohn Adams- lawyer, Massachusetts Samuel AdamsSamuel Adams- tax collector/fire warden, Boston Benedict ArnoldBenedict Arnold-businessman, Mili, Norwich

Broadside

Franklin’s Slogan

Boston Tea Party

British Propaganda The Bostonian Paying the Excise-Man, 1774 British propaganda print referring to the tarring and feathering of Boston Commissioner of Customs John Malcolm four weeks after the Boston Tea Party. The men also poured hot tea down Malcolm's throat, as can be seen. Note the noose hanging on the Liberty Tree, and the Stamp Act posted upside-down

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