Colonial Reactions to the Tea Act

The transcript discusses the political tensions in Massachusetts during the 1760s, focusing on Thomas Hutchinson's letters that were discovered by Benjamin Franklin. These letters, which criticized the Massachusetts assembly, were secretly read to the assembly by Samuel Adams, leading to public outrage and the eventual publication of the letters. This damaged Hutchinson's reputation. The narrative then shifts to the Tea Act passed by Parliament, which was not intended to target Massachusetts but led to the Boston Tea Party. Parliament's harsh response included shutting down Boston Harbor and replacing Hutchinson with General Thomas Gage. Franklin, who was blamed for the unrest, faced repercussions despite his intentions to preserve the British Empire.

What did Benjamin Franklin do with the letters he found from Thomas Hutchinson?

• He destroyed them.

• He published them in a newspaper.

• He returned them to Hutchinson.

• He sent them to Samuel Adams.

How did Samuel Adams handle the letters that couldn't be published?

• He ignored them.

• He read them aloud in the assembly.

• He sent them back to Franklin.

• He published them secretly.

What was the reaction of the assembly members to Hutchinson's letters?

• They were confused.

• They were outraged.

• They were supportive.

• They were indifferent.

What did Hutchinson request after his reputation was damaged?

• To be reinstated as governor.

• To return to England.

• To publish a rebuttal.

• To meet with Franklin.

What was the main focus of the Tea Act passed by Parliament?

• The political situation in Massachusetts.

• The reputation of Thomas Hutchinson.

• The wealth of the East Indies.

• The rights of the colonists.

What event did the Tea Act lead to in December?

• The First Continental Congress.

• The signing of the Declaration of Independence.

• The Boston Tea Party.

• The Battle of Bunker Hill.

How did Parliament respond to the Boston Tea Party?

• By shutting down Boston Harbor.

• By negotiating with the colonists.

• By sending more tea to Boston.

• By reducing taxes on tea.

Who replaced Thomas Hutchinson as governor?

• General Thomas Gage.

• Benjamin Franklin.

• John Adams.

• Samuel Adams.

What happened to Benjamin Franklin as a result of the unrest?

• He was awarded a medal.

• He was stripped of his position as postmaster general.

• He was promoted to a higher position.

• He was sent back to America.

What was Franklin blamed for during the hearing before the Privy Council?

• Supporting the Tea Act.

• Inciting violence in Massachusetts.

• Stealing the letters from Hutchinson.

• Being the mastermind behind the unrest.