Thomas Hutchinson served as colonial governor of Massachusetts Bay (1771-1774). Prior to serving as governor, the well-connected Hutchinson held a variety of important offices in Massachusetts. His numerous enemies hated him because they believed he was too pro-British.

By the time he became governor, tensions between the colonists and Britain were high. Hutchinson—like many in the colonies—was a loyalist who favored Britain. One adversary was Samuel Adams, a leader in the opposition to London. Hutchinson had also been the target of a violent mob, which ransacked his home during the tumultuous Stamp Act period. He had also written some letters to friends. These letters, which were critical of anti-British colonists, were made public.

As governor, Hutchinson implemented harsh the measures London used against the colonists. For example, he insisted the colonists comply with the new law regarding imported tea, and this led to the Boston Tea Party.

Hutchinson moved to England before the Revolutionary War (1775-1783). As governor, he had come to personify London's perceived harshness toward the colonists.