Worlds Turned Upside Down Episode 11: The Resistance
Oct 22, 2024
Wendy Bellion, an American art historian and professor, sheds light on Liberty Poles' significance in colonial America as symbols of resistance. Shira Lurie, an assistant professor of American history, explains how colonial theories of resistance shaped notions of liberty and protest. Their discussion reveals how celebrations after the Stamp Act’s repeal led to tensions in New York City, culminating in confrontations between the Sons of Liberty and British soldiers, showcasing the complex dynamics of emerging American identity.
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Cross-Class Coalitions Fueled Popular Politics
- Elite factions like the Delanceys mobilized ordinary men into durable political coalitions blending elite and artisan interests.
- Those networks birthed groups such as the Sons of Liberty that could act decisively against policies like the Stamp Act.
Quartering Was Practical And Constitutional
- Quartering soldiers had long been a practical and legal headache, prompting barracks construction to limit intrusion into private homes.
- The Mutiny Act and debates over billeting framed quartering as both logistical and constitutional issue.
Franklin Brokered A Quartering Compromise
- Parliament revised the Quartering Act after Benjamin Franklin's input to avoid billeting troops in private homes.
- The compromise required local magistrates to house soldiers in barracks, public houses, or empty buildings with compensation.