HIS 521 U.S. Social History to 1865
William H. Mulligan, Jr.
 Discussion III

1.What were the basic institutions and rhythms that governed New England life in 1775? What type of framework did these institutions provide for the circulation of information and exchange of ideas?  

2. What role did consensus play in the social and political value structure of New Englanders?  

3. What role did social class and deference play in New England community life.

 4. How did New Englanders view the actions of the British government after 1763? 

5. Carl Becker posed one of the classic questions about the American Revolution, when he asked if it was about Home Rule or who would rule at home. For New Englanders, was the Revolution about Home Rule or who would rule at home.  

6. Another classic understanding of the Revolution is John Adams' statement that the Revolution was OVER by July 1776. What did Adams mean and how does the social history of New England support or challenge his view?

 7. Who are the Minutemen Robert Gross describes -- not guys who would respond on a minute's notice -- but what is their social, economic, and demographic profile?

 8. To what extent is Concord a typical Massachusetts, or New England community? How does it compare with Northborough, Shrewsbury, or Worcester?

 9. Describe the Minutemen's world in 1775 (i.e. the nature of life in Concord). Is their economic situation good, bad, or indifferent? From their perspective are things getting better or worse?

 10. How does the War for Independence affect this world? To what extent are their lives different after the War than they were before it? Were they better or worse off? Describe their new world.

 11. What is the thesis of The Minutemen and Their World? How well does Gross make his case?