Becoming America: The Revolution Before 1776 Fr... -

We often hear about New England town meetings, but Butler argues that real political power moved to the provincial level. Colonists became "politically self-conscious" and power-hungry, building complex political institutions that were far more participatory than those in Europe. They weren't just reacting to British taxes; they were practicing the art of self-governance for decades. Why It Matters

Colonists imported European and Asian goods—from silver communion plates to velvet seat cushions—to define their social status. Becoming America: The Revolution before 1776 fr...

When we think of the American Revolution, we usually think of 1776—muskets, tea parties, and the Declaration of Independence. But according to historian Jon Butler in his book , the real revolution started nearly a century earlier. We often hear about New England town meetings,

Next time you think about the founders, remember that they were the products of a century-long cultural revolution that changed the world before the first shot was ever fired. Becoming America - Harvard University Press Why It Matters Colonists imported European and Asian