Samuel Adams

Adams, Samuel (1722–1803), American Revolutionary leader and signer of the Declaration of Independence. His oratory and writings increased colonial discontent with British rule. Adams opposed the Sugar and Stamp acts (1764–65), helped organize the Boston Tea Party (1773), and urged independence at the First Continental Congress (1774). He served as governor of Massachusetts from 1794 to 1797.

See also: Boston Tea Party; Continental Congress; Intolerable Acts; Revere, Paul; Stamp Act.