Elbridge Gerry was a prominent American Revolutionary and politician. In answer to oppressive British policies of colonial government, including special taxes on publications such as newspapers and the infamous tax on tea, he organized passive resistance, such as boycotts of certain British goods. When Great Britain blockaded and even occupied Boston (1775–1776), because the city was considered to be in a state of rebellion, he organized the smuggling of goods into Massachusetts through his hometown of Marblehead. During the privation brought on by the Revolutionary War, he helped provide those most affected with relief supplies.