Mary Beth Norton

Join historians Rick Atkinson, an expert on the American Revolution; Mary Beth Norton, who dives into loyalist perspectives; and Rosemarie Zagarri, focusing on women’s political roles. They explore the tensions leading to the Battles of Lexington and Concord, highlighting pivotal events like the Boston Massacre and the Powder Alarm. The conversation also delves into the evolving public sentiments during the revolution and the influence of key figures like Mercy Otis Warren, showcasing how propaganda shaped the revolutionary spirit across the colonies.

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.