Samuel Adams

Samuel Adams believed the American colonists had a right to elect their own government officials. After writing articles and essays, which were published in the newspaper, Adams formed the Country Party. He, and its members, opposed the tax laws.

Adams organized a group called the "Sons of Liberty," who resisted the tea tax by secretly dumping tea into Boston harbor. Thinking he should expand his cause, Samuel made his case for independence to John Adams (his second cousin) and John Hancock (a wealthy merchant).

Samuel's belief in independence from Britain, and his successful efforts to persuade others to support that cause, earned him great respect. He has been called "the Father of the American Revolution."