The Edenton Tea Party: Women and Political Resistance
Produced by ClickView for forgingUS, a project of the Center for Digital Editing at the University of Virginia. © 2026 The Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia. All rights reserved.
This film explains the impact of the Tea Act and British monopoly through the East India Company; Describes the Boston Tea Party as a catalyst for wider resistance; Focuses on Penelope Barker and the organization of 51 women in Edenton; Details their pledge to boycott British goods; Emphasizes risks faced by women defying social and political norms; Describes British reaction through satire and cartoons; Highlights colonial support and the role of women in advancing revolutionary sentiment.
Want to know more?
This resource is not currently connected to any primary sources. Check back soon.
Organizations
Colonial activists network opposing British taxation. Organized protests including Boston Tea Party, mobilizing resistance for American independence.