Making History Come Alive Newsletter-The practice of "tarring and feathering" has a rich historical context in American political culture, particularly in the 18th and 19th centuries.

It was a form of public humiliation that involved covering a person in tar and feathers as a means of punishment or social protest. This act served not only as a physical assault but also as a symbolic gesture aimed at denouncing individuals perceived as enemies or traitors to a community or cause.

Historical Context of Tarring and Feathering

1. Origins:
- The origins of tarring and feathering can be traced back to medieval Europe, but it became particularly prominent in America during the colonial period. It was often employed by groups such as the Sons of Liberty as a tool of intimidation against loyalists and British officials.
- The act was designed to publicly shame the victim, marking them as a target of collective outrage. It was a grassroots form of mob justice, reflecting the community's desire to assert its values and punish those perceived as threats.

2. Political Usage:
- Tarring and feathering became a popular method of protest against British taxation and policies leading up to the American Revolution. Notable examples include the treatment of British officials like Thomas Hutchinson, the royal governor of Massachusetts, in the 1760s and 1770s. Hutchinson's opposition to colonial demands made him a target for colonial ire, culminating in a notorious incident where he was tarred and feathered in 1774.
- The act was also used against American politicians and figures who were deemed corrupt or traitorous. For instance, during the post-Revolutionary War period, tarring and feathering was employed against tax collectors and politicians associated with unpopular policies or taxation practices.

### The Impact of Tarring and Feathering

1. Social and Political Consequences:
- The act of tarring and feathering had significant social implications, as it reinforced the power dynamics within communities. It served as a warning to others who might consider opposing popular sentiment or authority.
- This form of punishment also highlighted the deeply rooted divisions within American society, particularly regarding issues of governance, loyalty, and the exercise of authority.

2. Decline of the Practice:
- By the 19th century, instances of tarring and feathering became less common, largely due to changing social norms and the establishment of more formal legal systems. As the rule of law became more established, the community's reliance on mob justice diminished.