Within Our Power

The Story of the Edenton Ladies' Tea Party

By Sally Walker | Publisher: North Carolina Office of Archives and History

About the book

In 1774, many people in thirteen of Great Britain’s North American colonies were angry. They had been ordered to pay money—taxes—to the government. However, they had no governmental representatives in faraway England to say how they wanted their money spent. The colonists rallied around the cry “Taxation Without Representation.” They boycotted tea, cloth, and other British products. Fearing punishment for protesting the unfair practice, some disguised themselves to avoid recognition, specifically when dumping tea in a harbor. Others wrote about it but hid their identity by using an alias.

A group of fifty-one women in Edenton, North Carolina, strongly opposed taxation without representation. At that time, women could not serve in the government, nor were they permitted to vote. But the Edenton ladies knew that their beliefs mattered. They decided they would make a difference. Like others, they would boycott British products. Unlike others, they shunned anonymity.

Using a “tea party” of a different sort, Edenton’s courageous women powerfully expressed their belief in a very public way. One that spread their belief and commitment not only throughout the North American colonies, but also across the Atlantic Ocean. The Edenton ladies’ courage still resonates today. They show us that people can join together and create a strong voice that stands firm against injustice.

Editions of Within Our Power

Hardcover
ISBN 9780865265066

Read an Excerpt

In 1774, many people in thirteen of Great Britain’s North American colonies were angry. They had been ordered to pay money—taxes—to the government. However, they had no governmental representatives in faraway England to say how they wanted their money spent. The colonists rallied around the cry “Taxation Without Representation.” They boycotted tea, cloth, and other British products. Fearing punishment for protesting the unfair practice, some disguised themselves to avoid recognition, specifically when dumping tea in a harbor. Others wrote about it but hid their identity by using an alias.

A group of fifty-one women in Edenton, North Carolina, strongly opposed taxation without representation. At that time, women could not serve in the government, nor were they permitted to vote. But the Edenton ladies knew that their beliefs mattered. They decided they would make a difference. Like others, they would boycott British products. Unlike others, they shunned anonymity.

Using a “tea party” of a different sort, Edenton’s courageous women powerfully expressed their belief in a very public way. One that spread their belief and commitment not only throughout the North American colonies, but also across the Atlantic Ocean. The Edenton ladies’ courage still resonates today. They show us that people can join together and create a strong voice that stands firm against injustice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Within Our Power about?

In 1774, many people in thirteen of Great Britain’s North American colonies were angry. They had been ordered to pay money—taxes—to the government. However, they had no governmental representatives in faraway England to say how they wanted their money spent. The colonists rallied around the cry “Taxation Without Representation.” They boycotted tea, cloth, and other British products. Fearing punishment for protesting the unfair practice, some disguised themselves to avoid recognition, specifically when dumping tea in a harbor. Others wrote about it but hid their identity by using an alias.

A group of fifty-one women in Edenton, North Carolina, strongly opposed taxation without representation. At that time, women could not serve in the government, nor were they permitted to vote. But the Edenton ladies knew that their beliefs mattered. They decided they would make a difference. Like others, they would boycott British products. Unlike others, they shunned anonymity.

Using a “tea party” of a different sort, Edenton’s courageous women powerfully expressed their belief in a very public way. One that spread their belief and commitment not only throughout the North American colonies, but also across the Atlantic Ocean. The Edenton ladies’ courage still resonates today. They show us that people can join together and create a strong voice that stands firm against injustice.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Within Our Power?

Children’s, Teenage and Educational > Children’s / Teenage: General interest > Children’s / Teenage general interest: History and the past

Where can I read a sample of Within Our Power?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780865265066

How long is Within Our Power and how many pages does it have?

Within Our Power has 32 page(s)

Who is/are the Author/s of the book Within Our Power?

Sally Walker

Who is the Publisher of the book Within Our Power?

North Carolina Office of Archives and History

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

Within Our Power is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780865265066)

Where can I buy Within Our Power online or support local independent bookshops?

You can buy Within Our Power from below

Where can I buy Within Our Power?