Sam Adams was born on September 27th, 1722 in Boston, Massachusetts to a respectable and well-off family. He attended Harvard University and graduated with a Master of Arts degree. He soon entered the field of law, however, as his cousin, John Adams, did. He was most famous for being one of the signers of the Constitution, the president of the imfamous Sons of Liberty, and his participation in the Boston Tea Party.
After leaving college, he pursued an interest in running a small business. That, however, did not turn out so well. Being a great speaker at town meetings, he soon turned his attention to the idea of politics. He was mainly interested in the quality of life of the Boston residents. He published the Declaration of Colonial Rights, which outlined points on how life should be based for the Bostonians.
After asserting his position as one of the most intellectual, influential, and powerful men in Boston, he joined the secret society of the Sons of Liberty. This move was mainly for a stronger and more physical role in the state of Boston. He realized that his politics would only get him so far. If America was to beat England, strong physical acts would need to be taken to show them that America was serious about their freedom.
As the president of the Sons of Liberty, Adams took steps and actions to show England that America was a force to be dealt with. Intimidation was the main act used to convey their message to Great Britain.
When intimidation did not seem to work, Sam Adams, with the help of Paul Revere, coordinated an attack on three tea ships that was docked in Boston Harbor. Sam Adams led a group of "Sons", dressed up as Indians, on one of the tea ships. They broke into the hold and began to unload the tea into Boston Harbor! After this day, the day was known as the Boston Tea Party.
After the Boston Tea Party, Sam Adams continued his work in politics. He served in both the 1st and 2nd Continental Congresses. He became the governor of Massachusetts from 1793-1797. Even though he held a seat in the newly formed government, he did not approve of the Constitution of that government, at first. However, he was soon won over and became one of the signers of that very Constitution.He died on October 2d, 1803, at the young age of 82.
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