EDU 101 American Revolution - Colonial Teapot (1763 - 1788)

Tea became the largest and most valuable commodity exported by Britain, which made tea-drinking popular in North America. The basic shape of the teapot is thought to have been derived from Islamic coffee pots and Chinese wine pourers. They were usually globular, or oval-shaped, with a spout and a handle. Eventually, the British government began passing taxes on specific goods, including tea. Americans disagreed with these taxes, and boycotted many goods. Everywhere the slogan was heard: "No taxation without representation!" Taxes led to the Boston Tea Party, the closure of Boston Harbor, and the arrival of even more British troops in America. Patriots were encouraged to abstain from tea drinking or find alternatives to British tea. Local teas brewed in Revolutionary times were known as "Liberty Teas."

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