Hancock’s political career started in 1765 as a Boston Selectman during the dawn of the Stamp Act. He started out with a great advantage, being one of the richest men in Massachusetts and having plenty of influence, he inspired respect because of his wealth. Without doubt he benefited from his business position in order to further his political career and vice versa.
When the British imposed taxes and duties that affected his own business he surely used his political position and influence to arouse feelings of independence. One clear illustration is the Boston Tea Party. Hancock was a well known smuggler of Dutch tea which sold cheaper than English tea before the Tea Act. The Tea Act made tea cheaper to the consumer thought it monopolized its distribution. With the help of the Sons of Liberty, Hancock was the instigator of the Boston Tea Party. As the moderator of the town meeting the night of the Boston Tea Party he told the crowd “let every man do what is right in his own eyes”. He did not take part in the violent action but approved of it.
Even though his business eventually declined John Hancock dedicated the rest of his life to public service holding different political posts through the end of his life.