The Shoemaker And The Revolution Alfred F Young Summary
Drori,Romie
AP U.S. History, Period: 2
575570
September 21st, 2014
Article Review: The Shoemaker and the Revolution
Author: Alfred F. Young
Article Title: “The Shoemaker and the Revolution
I – Introduction
This article was written to illustrate the common citizen of the colonies and their struggles, both good and bad, through the revolution. By writing “The Shoemaker and the Revolution” Alfred F. Young shows the mass civilian involvement that acted as a catalyst for the anti-British sentiment that swept the nation, and specifically Boston. Young uses George Hewes, a lowly shoemaker, as an example of the power each individual holds. Hewes went from a shy apprentice, too scared to speak up in front of John Hancock, to an outspoken patriot …show more content…
Young uses Hewes as a personification of the change in attitude that took place in the colonies during the revolutionary years. The main character, George Hewes, is first introduced when he fixes John Hancock’s shoe. Hancock was already a strong revolutionary figure by then, so naturally Hewes was nervous and slightly intimidated upon first meeting him. It is stated that “ He sat down, scared all the while “almost to death” while Hancock put his hand into his breeches-pocket and pulled out a crown piece, which he placed softly in his hand, thanking him at the same time for his punctual attendance and his compliments.” Hancock ends up taking a liking to Hewes, and that is just the beginning of his transformation into an opinionated patriot. There were many factors that created disdain for England and unified the colonies against the European oppression. Young makes it clear that he believes it was not solely the high taxes that were served, but also the literal presence of Englishmen in the colonies that led the citizens to transform from unwavering loyalists to unwavering independence-seekers. This change is apparent when George Hewes goes from mending shoes to throwing chests of tea into the Boston Harbor in just a mere few years of Parliamentary
AP U.S. History, Period: 2
575570
September 21st, 2014
Article Review: The Shoemaker and the Revolution
Author: Alfred F. Young
Article Title: “The Shoemaker and the Revolution
I – Introduction
This article was written to illustrate the common citizen of the colonies and their struggles, both good and bad, through the revolution. By writing “The Shoemaker and the Revolution” Alfred F. Young shows the mass civilian involvement that acted as a catalyst for the anti-British sentiment that swept the nation, and specifically Boston. Young uses George Hewes, a lowly shoemaker, as an example of the power each individual holds. Hewes went from a shy apprentice, too scared to speak up in front of John Hancock, to an outspoken patriot …show more content…
Young uses Hewes as a personification of the change in attitude that took place in the colonies during the revolutionary years. The main character, George Hewes, is first introduced when he fixes John Hancock’s shoe. Hancock was already a strong revolutionary figure by then, so naturally Hewes was nervous and slightly intimidated upon first meeting him. It is stated that “ He sat down, scared all the while “almost to death” while Hancock put his hand into his breeches-pocket and pulled out a crown piece, which he placed softly in his hand, thanking him at the same time for his punctual attendance and his compliments.” Hancock ends up taking a liking to Hewes, and that is just the beginning of his transformation into an opinionated patriot. There were many factors that created disdain for England and unified the colonies against the European oppression. Young makes it clear that he believes it was not solely the high taxes that were served, but also the literal presence of Englishmen in the colonies that led the citizens to transform from unwavering loyalists to unwavering independence-seekers. This change is apparent when George Hewes goes from mending shoes to throwing chests of tea into the Boston Harbor in just a mere few years of Parliamentary