Why did the punishment that the British meted out to the colonies for the Boston Tea Party please Sam Adams?

In the book Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes, Sam Adams appears pleased by Britain’s response to the Boston Tea Party.

Although this might appear an unusual response, Sam Adams trusts that this British response will further unite the colonists against the British. Ultimately, he believes that Britain's actions will encourage the colonists’ support of fighting against the British. As Sam Adams reveals:

“I will work for war: the complete freedom of these colonies from any...

In the book Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes, Sam Adams appears pleased by Britain’s response to the Boston Tea Party.

Although this might appear an unusual response, Sam Adams trusts that this British response will further unite the colonists against the British. Ultimately, he believes that Britain's actions will encourage the colonists’ support of fighting against the British. As Sam Adams reveals:

“I will work for war: the complete freedom of these colonies from any European power. We can have that freedom only by fighting for it.”

Also, as the text reveals:

“The punishment united the often jealous, often indifferent, separate colonies, as the Tea Party itself had not.”

Thus, Sam Adams wants the colonies to be free from all European powers, especially the British authority. Although he recognizes the horrors of war, he adamantly believes that the cost of war is worth the freedom of the colonies.

Consequently, Sam Adams accepts Britain's response to the Boston Tea Party. Although his feelings might appear extreme, other leaders (such as James Otis) seem to offer even more extreme viewpoints. Regardless, his viewpoint illustrates his value of freedom and independence from the British.