The leading towns exercised an influence on colonial opinion all out of proportion to their population. They were the centers of wealth, for one thing; of the press and political activity, for another. Merchants and artisans could readily take concerted action on public questions arising from their commercial operations. The towns were also centers for news, gossip, religious controversy, and political discussion. In the market places the farmers from the countryside learned of British policies and laws, and so, mingling with the townsmen, were drawn into the main currents of opinion which set in toward colonial nationalism and independence.
References
J. Bishop, History of American Manufactures (2 vols.).
E.L. Bogart, Economic History of the United States.
P.A. Bruce, Economic History of Virginia (2 vols.).
E. Semple, American History and Its Geographical Conditions.
W. Weeden, Economic and Social History of New England. (2 vols.).
Questions
1. Is land in your community parceled out into small farms? Contrast the system in your community with the feudal system of land tenure.
2. Are any things owned and used in common in your community? Why did common tillage fail in colonial times?