Ben Franklin's World 294 1774: The Long Year of Revolution
Feb 2, 2021
Mary Beth Norton, an award-winning historian and author focused on the American Revolutionary era, dives deep into the pivotal year of 1774. She discusses how this year marked the critical divide between loyalists and revolutionaries, emphasizing the role of local leadership and newspapers in shaping colonial resistance. Norton explores the complexities of the Tea Act, diverse colonial reactions to the Boston Tea Party, and the formation of the Continental Congress, revealing 1774's significant impact on America's path to independence.
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1774 As The Turning Point
- 1774 marks when Americans began to split into those who would stay with the empire and those who would not.
- Mary Beth Norton argues this year created the clear political division that produced loyalists and future revolutionaries.
Tea Protest Was About Symbolism
- Colonists objected to the symbolism of the Tea Act more than its monetary burden.
- The tea crisis mattered because it challenged Parliamentary authority, not because it raised prices.
Philadelphia Took The Lead
- Philadelphia, not Boston, led early organized opposition to the India Company tea ships via essays and a mass meeting.
- Boston later adopted Philadelphia's language rather than originating the coordinated response.
