1747 Workers Riot against British Practice of Forced Labor

As early as 1747 the people of Massachusetts showed their willingness to fight against unfair labor practices. This particular occurrence was caused by Commodore Knowles of the British Navy attempting to forcibly induct Massachusetts citizens into his crew. Knowles had several people kidnapped and brought upon his ship, intending to force them to work for him. A group of Massachusetts citizens responded by kidnapping several of Knowles’s officers and holding them hostage. The people of Massachusetts were successful and Knowles was forced to release his captives. This event is considered one of the first instances of a successful resistance against the oppressive British government.

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