Title
A Dependent People : Newport, Rhode Island in the Revolutionary Era / Elaine F. Crane.
ISBN
9780823295029
Published
New York, NY : Fordham University Press, [2022]
Copyright
©1992
Language
English
Language Note
In English.
Description
1 online resource (196 p.)
Item Number
10.1515/9780823295029 doi
Summary
This work tells a story about the sea, an American colonial town, and the British. It relates how Newport's dependence on the Atlantic Ocean dominated nearly every aspect of its existence. Newport learned early from its watery surroundings that its survival and prosperity were inextricably linked to commerce. Dependent on a thriving trade, Newporters were willing to explore and combination of routes which suggested a successful return in voyage and investment. Newport's single-minded commitment to commerce produced a society in which people were also dependent on each other. Merchant and dockworker, sailmaker and rope-walk owner developed symbiotic relationships as a result of their common efforts to ensure the success of each voyage. Dependency also extended to social networks where the affluent took responsibility for other members of the community. Because of their dependence on unobstructed trade, Newporters had evaded British customs for generations, using methods which cast some doubt on their commitment to the law. Thus, when it became clear in 1764 that Britain would go to great lengths to enforce new duties, the stage was set for confrontation. In the end, events outstripped the ability of Newport to chart its own course as the violence escalated. The Revolution prematurely ended Newport's golden age and destroyed the town both physically and spiritually. A dependent people had gained independence but at a cost only a few could foresee.
Access Note
Access limited to authorized users.
System Details Note
Mode of access: Internet via World Wide Web.
Digital File Characteristics
text file PDF
Source of Description
Description based on online resource; title from PDF title page (publisher's Web site, viewed 03. Jan 2023)
Available in Other Form
print 9780823211128
Frontmatter
Description of the Town of Newport, Rhode Island
ABBREVIATIONS AND SHORT TITLES
CONTENTS
Tables
Acknowledgments
Preface to the Paperback Edition
Introduction
I "A Good Voyage and Safe Return"
1. "Any Scheme of Trade"
2. "The First Wheel of Commerce"
Reflections
II An Interdependent People
3. A Mercantile Metropolis
4. The World of the Wealthy
5. Dependent People, Helping Hands
6. The Cruel Sea
7. The Black Community
8. A Lawless Rabble
Reflections
III A Dependent People
9. Economic Arguments and Mob Rule
10. A Town at War with Itself
Reflections
Epilogue
Bibliography
Index
