Answer :
Final answer:
The colonists disguised as Native Americans during the Boston Tea Party to maintain anonymity, symbolize American identity, and express defiance against British taxes and monopolies. This strategic choice was vital in safeguarding participants and igniting the revolutionary spirit.
Explanation:
Reasons for the Disguises at the Boston Tea Party
The Boston Tea Party was a crucial event leading up to the American Revolution. The colonists, led by the Sons of Liberty and figures such as Samuel Adams, decided to disguise themselves as Native Americans during this act of protest against British policies. There are several reasons attributed to why the colonists chose to dress as Indians:
Disguising as Native Americans provided anonymity, protecting participants from being easily identified and potentially prosecuted by British authorities.
The attire symbolized an American identity distinct from British colonial rule, emphasizing the colonists' desire for autonomy and aligning them with the image of a natural inhabitant opposed to foreign dominance.
The disguise allowed the protesters to adopt a bolder persona, drawing on the perceived fierceness and freedom of Native Americans, to commit an act of rebellion by destroying the tea without direct personal repercussions.
During the dark night of December 16, 1773, the disguised group embarked on three British ships in the harbor and disposed of 342 chests of tea, demonstrating their opposition to the Tea Act which favored the British East India Company over local merchants.
Their actions kindled the revolutionary spirit that would eventually lead to the fight for American independence, proving how significant the symbolism and practicality of the disguises were to the historical event.
