How Coffee Became a Symbol of Patriotism and Independence in America

The Tea Act and the Boston Tea Party

The American Revolution was sparked by a series of events that caused tension and conflict between the British government and the American colonists. One of these events was the Tea Act of 1773, which was meant to bail out the British East India Company after it had run into financial trouble. The Tea Act granted the company the exclusive right to sell tea directly to the colonies, bypassing the colonial merchants and smugglers who had been importing cheaper tea from other sources. The Tea Act also imposed a tax on tea, which was one of the most consumed goods in the colonies.

The colonists saw the Tea Act as an unfair and oppressive measure that violated their rights and interests. They protested against the Tea Act by boycotting British tea and refusing to let the East India Company ships unload their cargo. On December 16, 1773, a group of colonists disguised as Mohawk Indians boarded three ships in Boston Harbor and dumped 342 chests of tea into the water. This event became known as the Boston Tea Party, and it was one of the most dramatic acts of defiance against British rule.

The Rise of Coffee Consumption

As a result of the Boston Tea Party, tea became a symbol of tyranny and oppression in the colonies. Drinking tea was seen as unpatriotic and disloyal to the cause of independence. Many colonists switched to drinking coffee instead, as coffee was seen as a symbol of freedom and resistance. Coffee was also cheaper, more accessible, and more diverse than tea, as it could be imported from different countries and regions, such as Brazil, Jamaica, Haiti, and Ethiopia.

Coffee consumption increased rapidly in America during the Revolution. According to historian Mark Pendergrast, author of Uncommon Grounds: The History of Coffee and How It Transformed Our World¹, Americans drank about 1.5 million pounds of coffee in 1772, but by 1789, they drank about 3 million pounds. Coffee houses also became popular places for socializing, debating, and organizing among patriots. Some famous coffee houses that served as hubs of revolutionary activity were:

• The Green Dragon Tavern in Boston², where Samuel Adams and other Sons of Liberty planned their protests and resistance.
• The Merchant’s Coffee House in Philadelphia³, where George Washington met with his officers and where an early reading of the Declaration of Independence took place.
• The Fraunces Tavern in New York⁴, where Washington bid farewell to his troops after the war.

The Legacy of Coffee in America

Coffee continued to be a prominent part of American culture and identity after the Revolution. Coffee was widely consumed by soldiers during the War of 1812, the Mexican-American War, and the Civil War. Coffee was also associated with innovation and progress, as inventors like Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Edison relied on coffee to fuel their creativity and productivity. Coffee was also linked to democracy and equality, as coffee houses welcomed people from different backgrounds and classes to share their opinions and ideas.

Today, coffee is still one of the most beloved beverages in America. According to the National Coffee Association⁵, 64% of Americans drink coffee every day, averaging about 3 cups per person. Coffee is also a source of economic activity, social interaction, and cultural diversity in America. Coffee shops are ubiquitous in every city and town, offering a variety of flavors, roasts, and styles to suit every taste and preference. Coffee is also a way for Americans to connect with other cultures and countries, as they can enjoy coffee from different regions and origins around the world.

Coffee is more than just a drink for Americans. It is a symbol of patriotism and independence that has shaped their history and identity. As Thomas Jefferson once said: “Coffee – the favorite drink of the civilized world.”⁶