Existing comment:
Organizing as Patriots
When colonial legislatures opposed British policies, many governors simply dissolved those assemblies. Unofficial groups such as local committees, county-wide conventions, and congresses quickly became central to patriot organizing. They relied on economic networks that included "middling" farmers, traders, artisans, working men, and free women to create a new political movement.
The inclusive nature of the movement seemed to show that ordinary free people were capable of having a stronger voice in politics. |