The Sons of Liberty were a secret political organization formed in the American colonies during the mid-1760s, created in response to growing resentment toward British taxation and control. Their origins can be traced to the outrage over the Stamp Act of 1765, which placed taxes on printed materials such as newspapers, contracts, and playing cards. Colonists argued this was a clear case of “taxation without representation,” as they had no voice in the British Parliament.

Made up of merchants, artisans, laborers, and influential leaders, the Sons of Liberty quickly spread through the colonies, with strong chapters in Boston, New York, and other major cities. They organized protests, boycotts, and public demonstrations that challenged British authority. Their methods ranged from peaceful persuasion, like encouraging colonists to refuse British goods, to more confrontational tactics, such as intimidating tax collectors or staging symbolic acts of defiance.

In Boston, figures like Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and Paul Revere became closely associated with the group. Revere, in particular, used his skills as an engraver to produce political cartoons and images that stirred anti-British sentiment, while also serving as a trusted courier to spread critical messages.

The Sons of Liberty played a leading role in dramatic events such as the Boston Tea Party of 1773, where colonists dumped British tea into Boston Harbor to protest the Tea Act. Their bold actions helped unify the colonies in resistance and fueled the revolutionary spirit that ultimately led to the outbreak of the American Revolution.