What happens when consumers become frustrated with a company’s actions, policies or ethical stance? They boycott!
By definition, a boycott is an organized protest carried out by a group of people. Boycotts have been around for hundreds of years, and can be carried out against an entire country, a political organization, an institution, a business or even a single person.
In this article, we bring you some of the world’s most famous boycotts, including those that were carried out against brands and companies. From failed boycotts to successful social boycotts, we break it all down for you in the list below.
Learn about the very first recorded boycott in history and discover some of the boycotts that have been carried out in recent times in not just America but across the globe.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
What is a boycott?
Boycotts typically happen when a group of people refuses to purchase from a particular brand or company, or simply refuses to support them. Traditionally, they were organized through word of mouth and community networks, and via distribution of flyers. Today, they’re organized through social media campaigns, online petitions and other globally organized efforts.
There are many reasons why people might boycott, but the most common is because they’re angry about a brand’s practices and want to push for change. For example, they might protest against child labor, environmental practices, political stances or corruption. If successful, these boycotts can have major negative implications for a company, both in terms of their reputation and their bottom line.
Top 20 most famous boycotts in history
Now that you know the definition of the word “boycott”, let’s dive right in with the top 20 most famous boycott examples in history!
1. Britain (1764-1766)
During the French–Indian war, Britain decided to recover its losses by imposing taxes on the American colonies. Known as the Stamp Act, it required those colonies to purchase government-issued stamps for every piece of paper they used (including legal documents, newspapers and even playing cards!).
The colonies detested the idea — particularly because of their lack of representation during the decision-making process. This led to the slogan “No Taxation without Representation”.
To fight back, they boycotted British goods, while rebels terrorized British stamp agents into resigning. This desire for autonomy led to further revolts, which consequently led to the American Revolution between 1765 and 1783.
Was it successful? The act was repealed by George III in 1766, and America got its independence — so yes.
2. The Boston Tea Party (1773, American Colonies)
The Boston Tea Party happened in response to the Tea Act of 1773, which allowed the British East India Company to sell tea tax-free in Britain — but taxed in the colonies. This was not only recognized as taxation without representation (since they had no say in British Parliament), but it also led to local merchants being undercut.
In response, American colonists didn’t simply refuse to buy British tea; on December 16th, 1773, the Sons of Liberty staged a dramatic protest. They disguised themselves as Mohawk Indians, boarded British ships, and dumped 342 chests of tea into Boston Harbor (worth over $1.7 million today!). This escalated tensions, leading to the American Revolution.
Was it successful? It disrupted trade, and helped push the colonies towards independence, so yes!
3. The Captain Boycott Boycott (1880, Ireland)
Captain Boycott (also known as Charles Boycatt) retired from the army to become a land agent in Ireland. When trouble began to brew there, his employer told him to lower tenants’ rent. However, when the tenants decided that rent hadn’t been lowered enough and refused to pay, he was told to start evicting people.
Obviously, the tenants weren’t happy with this at all. His laborers stopped working, local businesses wouldn’t take his money, and even the postman wouldn’t deliver his mail.
Attempts to continue with a limited workforce and import labor and produce proved too expensive to maintain, and he and his family were eventually forced to move away.
Was it successful? He moved away and the word “boycott” was introduced in 1888, so yes!
4. Jewish Anti-Nazi Boycott (1933–1941, USA and UK)
This was a response to the rise of Nazi persecution against Jews in Germany. In March 1933, not long after Hitler came into power, US and UK-based Jewish organizations boycotted German goods.
Marked by demonstrations, protests and the distribution of flyers, they aimed to pressure Nazi Germany into ending discriminatory laws and violence against Jews. This was one of the earliest international protests against Nazi Germany, and it gained global support from Jewish communities.
Was it successful? The boycott raised awareness about the atrocities that were being committed, but it had minimal impact on Nazi Germany, so no.
5. The Montgomery Bus Boycott (1955–1956, USA)
This has got to go down as one of the most famous boycotts in history. It began when Rosa Parks refused to give up her bus seat for a White passenger. After her arrest, civil rights activist Jo Ann Robinson informed African Americans that they represented 75% of the Montgomery bus company’s clientele.
This led to the organization of the Monday Boycott, whereby all African Americans refused to use segregated buses. Carpools were created, African American taxi drivers charged African American passengers just one dime, and White employers even took to driving their African American servants to work.
Was it successful? The boycott was so successful that it continued for a whopping 381 days, marking the beginning of the American Civil Rights Movement. On December 20th, 1956, laws requiring segregated buses were declared unconstitutional in Montgomery and across the USA. So yes, it was a success.
6. Anti-Apartheid Boycott (1959–1994, South Africa and Worldwide)
In an effort to pressure South Africa to end its racial segregation system (apartheid), activists globally boycotted South African goods, businesses and even sports teams.
Major corporations withdrew investments, and many countries implemented trade sanctions. Between 1964 and 1992, meanwhile, South Africa was banned from the Olympic Games due to the global boycott.
Global leaders, including Desmond Tutu, pushed for more action.
Was it successful? In 1994, after decades of struggle, Nelson Mandela became South Africa’s first Black president, marking the end of apartheid. So, yes, while it wasn’t the sole reason for the collapse of apartheid, it certainly played a role.
7. The Delano Grape Strike (1965–1969, USA)
Led by César Chávez and his National Farmworkers Association (now the United Farm Workers of America, whose logo has become an enduring symbol for Latino labor activism), this boycott began when Filipino farm workers in California walked away from their jobs in protest against being the lowest-paid workers in the US.
In fact, they were receiving less than the federal minimum wage that other workers were given. When news spread about the strike, millions of Americans boycotted the company by refusing to buy grapes.
Was it successful? At the height of the strike, over 14 million Americans were refusing to buy grapes until historic contracts were finally signed in 1970, so yes.
8. Nestlé (1977–1984, Worldwide)
Nestlé came under fire when it launched a marketing campaign to sell milk formula to developing countries. The company was accused of contributing to health problems, and the rise of infant malnutrition and mortality.
The boycott pointed out that formula is less healthy than breast milk, that these mothers lacked the clean water needed to prepare the formula safely, and that it was too expensive for them to buy once they’d finished the free samples.
Was it successful? The original US boycott ended in 1984 after satisfactory codes and policies were put into place, so yes, it was successful. However, reports have found that Nestlé continues to allegedly use misleading claims.
9. The Summer Olympics (1980, Worldwide)
In 1980, US President Jimmy Carter called for the United States to boycott the Olympics unless Soviet troops withdrew from Afghanistan.
Over 60 nations joined the boycott, while 16 supporting nations supported their athletes’ right to choose. They allowed them to go if they wanted to, as long as they marched under their National Olympic Committee (NOC) flag and had the Olympic anthem played at their award ceremonies.
As a result, there was one ceremony where three NOC flags were raised.
Was it successful? In 1984, 13 Soviet allies boycotted the Los Angeles Olympics in retaliation, and the USSR didn’t withdraw their troops until 1989, so no.
10. International Buy Nothing Day (1992–Present, Worldwide)
International Buy Nothing Day is intended as the opposite of Black Friday, and a boycott on consumerism. The goal is to encourage people to stop and think about their overconsumption rather than go out and get swept up in all the frenzy of the sales.
It’s held on the last Friday of November (the same day as Black Friday in the US and other countries), or on the following Saturday (in countries that don’t have Black Friday), which is when people usually begin their Christmas shopping.
Was it successful? It hasn’t stopped Black Friday or had any effect on consumption in general, so not really. It’s still around though, so it did raise some awareness.
11. The Sudanese Civil War Sex Boycott (2002, Sudan)
Professor Samira Ahmed found a unique way to end the second Sudanese Civil War: she called for wives to abandon sexual relations with their husbands. The earliest record of this idea is attributed to Greek playwright Aristophanes and his play Lysistrata, where this tactic is used to end the Peloponnesian War of 404BCE.
This boycott drew international attention to the immense suffering of women during the conflict and was part of a wider movement to raise awareness about sexual violence in war zones.
Was it successful? The war ended three years later, with the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. This might not be why, but three years is a lot shorter than the 19 years it had already been going on for.
12. Caterpillar (2003, Worldwide)
Caterpillar agreed to arm the Israeli military with bulldozers that were then used to destroy Palestinian homes, farmland and infrastructure — as well as anyone who got in the way.
The boycott began when American activist Rachel Corrie was killed in 2003 while trying to peacefully prevent the destruction of a home in Gaza.
Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (better known as BDS) is a global movement encouraging investors to stop investing and was founded two years after Corrie’s death. There’s also a public boycott on Caterpillar’s boots, caps, clothes and other products.
Was it successful? Not entirely, as court cases continue to rule Corrie’s death as an accident and the consumer boycott has been mostly ignored. However, there have been some victories: in 2012, Caterpillar was removed from the World Socially Responsible Index, which cost them millions in investment. Progress continues to be made.
13. The Abercrombie & Fitch Girlcott (2005, Worldwide)
This began when a new line of girls’ T-shirts was introduced with slogans that were considered offensive and harmful to body image, such as “Who needs brains when you have these?” and “Available for parties”.
Was it successful? Maybe! After five days of protests, the girls behind the boycott landed a meeting at the brand’s corporate headquarters, and a month later the shirts were gone. Whether it was because they listened or because they ran out of stock is debatable, as it wasn’t the first — or the last — time that they offended people.
14. Amazon.com (2010–Present, Worldwide)
Amazon.com boycotts have gained notable traction in recent years, largely due to controversies related to the company’s labor practices, environmental policies and market dominance. Activists have campaigned against employees’ harsh labor conditions in the company’s warehouses, as well as low wages and high injury rates.
The company’s significant carbon footprint has also sparked environmental protests due to its extensive shipping network and large data centers. Meanwhile, Amazon.com has been criticized for dominating the retail market, as its pricing policies are damaging to small businesses.
This has all led to activists, consumers and even employees reconsidering their purchasing habits, adding to the growing movement of boycotting the online retail giant.
Was it successful? Amazon remains the second largest retailer in the world, so no. However, the boycotts have triggered debates about corporate responsibility and consumer activism in the digital age.
15. Facebook (2020, Worldwide)
The #StopHateForProfit Facebook Ad Boycott urged companies to pause advertising on Facebook to protest its handling of hate speech, misinformation and racism.
Organized by civil rights groups, including the Anti-Defamation League and NAACP, the campaign pressured Facebook to improve its content moderation policies, and was supported by over 1,000 companies, including Coca-Cola, Starbucks and Unilever.
Was it successful? The boycott raised major awareness and wiped out billions of dollars in Facebook’s ad revenue. However, small businesses (Facebook’s primary advertisers) largely continued spending, while most companies resumed advertising within months, thus limiting its long-term impact. Meanwhile, Facebook made some policy changes, but it didn’t meet all demands, so no.
16. H&M (2021, China)
This boycott began due to concerns over forced labor in Xinjiang, China. The company released a statement announcing that it would no longer be using cotton from the region due to human rights concerns.
Chinese consumers and state media subsequently called for a boycott, while online retailers removed H&M products, and several Chinese celebrities severed ties with the brand entirely.
The incident shone a light on tensions between corporate ethics and political pressures as other brands including Nike also faced criticism over human rights violations in Xinjiang.
Was it successful? H&M experienced a significant drop in shares and sales as a result of international embargoes and store closures in China, so yes.
17. X (October 2022–Present, Worldwide)
Since Elon Musk bought Twitter in October 2022 for a staggering $44 billion and rebranded it to X, the platform has faced numerous issues.
The 2022 Stop Toxic Twitter coalition called on major organizations to cease advertising on the platform as a result of Musk’s failure to uphold community standards and moderate content. Since then, more than 500 advertisers have quit spending on X, and the social media platform has faced a lot of criticism in light of changes that have spread hate speech, misinformation and other harmful content.
Was it successful? Since October 2022, the company has lost half its advertising revenue and continues to lose hundreds of millions in ad revenue — so, yes, it was a success.
18. Target (2023–Present, US)
Target’s corporate policies, product offerings and stance on social issues have sparked boycotts in America in recent years.
For example, in 2023, Target featured LGBTQ+ pride merchandise in its stores. Some people viewed this as a politically charged, controversial move, which led to protests, especially in conservative regions. Target has also been involved in many social justice campaigns, which have sparked debates about the role of corporate activism in retail.
Was it successful? To date, the Target boycotts have had mixed results. Although their stocks and sales suffered briefly in 2023 following the Pride Month backlash, any dips have been temporary and have not resulted in any major policy changes.
19. Bumble (2024, Worldwide)
When dating app Bumble released a controversial advertising campaign (ads on social media and billboards featured slogans such as “You know full well a vow of celibacy is not the answer”), this led to widespread criticism and calls for a boycott.
The brand faced major backlash for shaming women who choose celibacy, with many arguing that the ads questioned women's autonomy in choosing their sexual activity. The #BoycottBumble hashtag started trending, and the brand consequently pulled the ads.
Was it successful? In response to the uproar and calls for a boycott, Bumble removed the controversial ads and issued an apology, acknowledging the misstep and vowing to be more considerate in future campaigns. So yes, it was successful.
20. Economic Blackout Day (2025, US)
The goal of this planned consumer protest was to encourage consumers to stop spending at major retailers for 24 hours.
Organized by the People’s Union USA, Economic Blackout Day aimed to challenge corporate greed, the cost-of-living crisis and systemic inequality, especially towards companies that rolled back their diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
It attracted widespread attention from younger consumers and gained tremendous traction on social media — especially TikTok — with viral hashtags helping to promote it.
Was it successful? The true economic and social impact of this day remains to be seen, but similar movements have positively impacted corporate policies, so maybe.
Final thoughts
The boycotts listed above show the diverse ways that consumers and activists have long used their collective power to influence institutions, governments, businesses and society as a whole.
While some boycotts led to notable change, others have had less impact. Regardless of their outcomes, however, boycotts continue to serve as a way for people to hold governments and corporations accountable and have the power to influence social and political change.
As consumer activism evolves, it remains clear that collective action can still make a difference in shaping a more just world.
Which of these most famous boycotts stand out to you the most? Can you think of any others that deserve a place on our list? Let us know in the comments section below.
This article is a partial update of an earlier version originally published in 2015.