Butter rebellion

Butter Rebellion was the first known student protest in the United States, which took place at Harvard University in 1766. The rebellion was sparked by dissatisfaction with the quality of butter served in the university's dining hall.

Background

The Butter Rebellion began in September 1766 when Asa Dunbar, a student at Harvard University, led a protest against the poor quality of butter served in the university's dining hall. Dunbar's famous declaration, "Behold, our butter stinketh! - give us therefore butter that stinketh not," sparked the rebellion.

Rebellion

The protest quickly gained momentum, with many students refusing to eat in the dining hall. The university administration responded by expelling Dunbar and suspending several other students. However, this only served to fuel the rebellion, with students continuing to protest and refusing to eat the butter.

Aftermath

The Butter Rebellion had significant implications for Harvard University. It led to changes in the university's food service, with the administration pledging to improve the quality of food served in the dining hall. The rebellion also highlighted the growing power of student activism in the United States.

Legacy

The Butter Rebellion is often cited as the first known student protest in the United States. It set a precedent for future student protests and highlighted the power of collective action. Today, the Butter Rebellion is commemorated at Harvard University with an annual "Butter Rebellion Dinner," where students are served butter-free meals in honor of the historic protest.

See also

• Student activism
• Harvard University
• History of the United States

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