Concord Imperialism Analysis
The people of Concord experienced colonial imperialism much differently than those who lived in Boston. Unlike Boston, Concord was not a major port city. It also did not have British regulars present on a daily basis. Concordians had many problems within their own borders they were more concerned with than the events caused by the colonies strained relationship with Britain (Robert A Gross, Minutemen and Their World. Page 10). This is not to say Concord did not take part in colonial activities to protest British imperialism. There were no protests of the magnitude of those that took place in Boston, such as the tea party. Much of the population in Concord remained loyal to the crown. However, the town sent a representative to Boston when needed
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However, the townspeople of Concord did little to protest these acts, and certainly not in the way Boston displayed their outrage. The people of Concord were more interested in the goings on in their own town, and thought other colonies could handle the dispute (Gross, 1). As was the case in most towns at this time, there was much political conflict present in Concord. The struggle came from a power struggle among the government officials, rather than the townspeople. Also, the town became too large to accommodate its entire population, many families living on the outskirts of town became disgruntled and longed to separate from Concord into another smaller town (Gross, 16). As it grew families settled further away from town buildings, schools, and churches (Gross. 15). Travelling several miles a day was not desirable to anyone. This became a major source of conflict among the townspeople. If granted status, then the town would lose land and the citizens would be responsible for paying a larger portion of the minister’s income (Gross, 16). The church presented another area of conflict, due to problems within the ministry. Not only were men vying for positions in the church, but also for government offices. Dr. Joseph Lee was at the center of this conflict. To obtain an office Lee had to gain the approval of the congregation and church officials. This was a problem for Lee, as he had issues with several members of the church (Gross, 23). The continued problems within the church caused division within the town and affected the way it responded to the Revolution (Gross,
However, the townspeople of Concord did little to protest these acts, and certainly not in the way Boston displayed their outrage. The people of Concord were more interested in the goings on in their own town, and thought other colonies could handle the dispute (Gross, 1). As was the case in most towns at this time, there was much political conflict present in Concord. The struggle came from a power struggle among the government officials, rather than the townspeople. Also, the town became too large to accommodate its entire population, many families living on the outskirts of town became disgruntled and longed to separate from Concord into another smaller town (Gross, 16). As it grew families settled further away from town buildings, schools, and churches (Gross. 15). Travelling several miles a day was not desirable to anyone. This became a major source of conflict among the townspeople. If granted status, then the town would lose land and the citizens would be responsible for paying a larger portion of the minister’s income (Gross, 16). The church presented another area of conflict, due to problems within the ministry. Not only were men vying for positions in the church, but also for government offices. Dr. Joseph Lee was at the center of this conflict. To obtain an office Lee had to gain the approval of the congregation and church officials. This was a problem for Lee, as he had issues with several members of the church (Gross, 23). The continued problems within the church caused division within the town and affected the way it responded to the Revolution (Gross,