Tarring and Feathering

Definition

Tarring and feathering is a form of public humiliation and punishment that involves coating a person with tar and feathers, often used as a means of social or political protest. This act became a symbolic representation of the colonists' anger against British authority, especially in the context of rising tensions over taxation without representation, where it was employed to intimidate loyalists and tax collectors.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Tarring and feathering was often used as a means of enforcing collective colonial action against perceived injustices, primarily against tax collectors and loyalists.
2. The practice was intended to serve as both punishment and a public spectacle to deter others from complying with British laws that the colonists found oppressive.
3. This form of protest illustrated the growing tensions between the colonists and British authorities, showcasing the willingness of ordinary people to resort to violence to make their voices heard.
4. While effective in striking fear into loyalists, tarring and feathering was also controversial within the colonies, raising questions about the ethics of mob justice.
5. The act became less common after the American Revolution, as new forms of political expression and organization emerged among the citizens.

Review Questions

• How did tarring and feathering reflect the sentiments of American colonists towards British rule during the pre-Revolutionary period?
  • Tarring and feathering embodied the anger and frustration that American colonists felt towards British taxation and governance. This practice was employed as a form of protest against those who supported British policies, such as tax collectors, highlighting the intense resentment towards 'taxation without representation.' It served as a way for colonists to take action into their own hands when they felt ignored by official channels, illustrating their commitment to resisting oppression.
• Discuss how organizations like the Sons of Liberty utilized tarring and feathering as a tactic in their resistance against British taxation.
  • The Sons of Liberty were instrumental in organizing protests against British taxation, and they used tarring and feathering as a tactic to enforce compliance among fellow colonists. By targeting individuals who supported British policies or collected taxes, they aimed to create fear and discourage collaboration with British authorities. This form of public shaming effectively rallied more colonists to their cause while reinforcing their message that resistance was not only necessary but could be met with severe consequences for those who chose to side with the oppressor.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of tarring and feathering on American political culture and its legacy in shaping protests against perceived injustices.
  • Tarring and feathering set a precedent for direct action within American political culture, demonstrating how ordinary citizens could mobilize against perceived injustices. While this method of protest diminished after the Revolution, its legacy influenced future movements advocating for social change. The concept of public shaming as a form of protest persisted in various forms throughout American history, illustrating how grassroots efforts can challenge authority. This legacy serves as a reminder of how deeply embedded resistance is in the American ethos, emphasizing that citizens will fight back when they feel their rights are being trampled.

Related terms

Sons of Liberty:

A secret organization formed by American colonists to oppose British taxation and policies, known for their acts of protest, including tarring and feathering.

Stamp Act:

A 1765 law passed by the British Parliament that imposed a direct tax on the colonies, leading to widespread protests and resistance.

Boycotts:

A method of protest where individuals refuse to buy goods or services from a particular source, often used by colonists against British products to oppose unfair taxation.