Today in Labor History November 17, 1747: The Knowles Riot occurred in Boston, with hundreds of sailors, laborers and free blacks rising up against British Navy Press Gangs. Commodore Knowles routinely had Bostonians kidnapped and forced to work on his ships. Those who were impressed were forced to work on the ship for three years, or until they escaped or died. The reason why press gangs were needed in the first place was because the work on ships was so dangerous, repressive, and poorly paid. Furthermore, it was often in the furtherance of colonial wars that benefitted the wealthy, but not working-class people. Additionally, the Trade to America Act 1707 supposedly exempted those living in the American colonies from impressment. Consequently, irate workers rampaged through Boston, kidnapping several of Knowles’ officers, and a sheriff, holding them hostage until all Bostonians were freed from his ships. The Knowles Riot was the most serious uprising in Colonial America prior to the Stamp Act protests of 1765. No one died, but eleven people were arrested. Few days later, an anonymous writer published a pamphlet praising the rioters for defending their natural rights. Many believe it was Samuel Adams.
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