The cities of eighteenth-century America packed together tens of thousands of colonists; who met each other in back rooms and plotted political tactics; debated the issues of the day in taverns; and mingled together on the wharves or in the streets. In this fascinating work; historian Benjamin L. Carp shows how these various urban meeting places provided the tinder and spark for the American Revolution. Carp focuses closely on political activity in colonial America's five most populous cities--in particular; he examines Boston's waterfront community; New York tavern-goers; Newport congregations; Charleston's elite patriarchy; and the common people who gathered outside Philadelphia's State House. He shows how--because of their tight concentrations of people and diverse mixture of inhabitants--the largest cities offered fertile ground for political consciousness; political persuasion; and political action. The book traces how everyday interactions in taverns; wharves; and elsewhere slowly developed into more serious political activity. Ultimately; the residents of cities became the first to voice their discontent. Merchants began meeting to discuss the repercussions of new laws; printers fired up provocative pamphlets; and protesters took to the streets. Indeed; the cities became the flashpoints for legislative protests; committee meetings; massive outdoor gatherings; newspaper harangues; boycotts; customs evasion; violence and riots--all of which laid the groundwork for war. Ranging from 1740 to 1780; this groundbreaking work contributes significantly to our understanding of the American Revolution. By focusing on some of the most pivotal events of the eighteenth century as they unfolded in the most dynamic places in America; this book illuminates how city dwellers joined in various forms of political activity that helped make the Revolution possible.
#215467 in Books Richard Labunski 2008-06-20 2008-06-20Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 6.00 x 1.10 x 9.20l; 1.12 #File Name: 0195341422352 pagesJames Madison and the Struggle for the Bill of Rights
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Insightful historyBy Holly SchaffterVery interesting read of the struggle to overcome one challenge after another in the pursuit of making a nationWouldn't have known before reading this book that one man had been so crucial to the early formation and direction of the US government we take for granted today0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A good read. I am only part way through itBy Patrick J. CorcoranA good read. I am only part way through it. It is much more than just about Madison.. The book explores those who did not support ratifying the constitution; those who did; and those who supported it so long as there was a bill of rights.Thanks to our public education system; many people today have no idea what the bill of eights is or does. Many believe it outlines what the government can do. Not what the government can't do. Even many supporters of gun rights believe the 2nd amendment GIVES them the right to keep and bear arms. When in fact it recognizes the right to keep and bear arms; like the freedom of speech and assembly; is a God given right which the government cannot infringe. It doesn't give us that right; but protects our God given right.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. An excellent book; well written so as to give the ...By HistoryBuffAn excellent book; well written so as to give the reader the feeling of being there in history. After reading Madison's journal of the proceedings of the Constitutional Convention; this book had a lot of relevance as it is the continuation of the adoption of our constitution and the reasoning for the need for the Bill of Rights to be approved during the first congress. I highly recommend this book for insight into what was going on in this time in our development.
