A Dependent People: Newport, Rhode Island in the Revolutionary Era [Paperback]

Elaine F. Crane (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1992 | ISBN-10: 0823211126 | ISBN-13: 978-0823211128

This work tells a story about the sea, an American colonial town, and the British. It relates how Newport's dependence on the Atlantic Ocean dominated nearly every aspect of its existence. Newport learned early from its watery surroundings that its survival and prosperity were inextricably linked to commerce. Dependent on a thriving trade, Newporters were willing to explore and combination of routes which suggested a successful return in voyage and investment. Newport's single-minded commitment to commerce produced a society in which people were also dependent on each other. Merchant and dockworker, sailmaker and rope-walk owner developed symbiotic relationships as a result of their common efforts to ensure the success of each voyage. Dependency also extended to social networks where the affluent took responsibility for other members of the community. Because of their dependence on unobstructed trade, Newporters had evaded British customs for generations, using methods which cast some doubt on their commitment to the law. Thus, when it became clear in 1764 that Britain would go to great lengths to enforce new duties, the stage was set for confrontation. In the end, events outstripped the ability of Newport to chart its own course as the violence escalated. The Revolution prematurely ended Newport's golden age and destroyed the town both physically and spiritually. A dependent people had gained independence but at a cost only a few could foresee.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Crane tells a compelling story focused on the drama of revolutionary upheavel in sprightly prose dotted with revealing anecdotes." -- Journal of American History

About the Author

Elaine Forman Crane is Professor of History at Fordham University.

Product Details

• Paperback: 196 pages
• Publisher: Fordham University Press (January 1, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0823211126
• ISBN-13: 978-0823211128
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,324,641 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

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5.0 out of 5 stars An essential history of Newport and the Revolutionary Era, March 7, 2010

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Laura Leibman (Portland, OR) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: A Dependent People: Newport, Rhode Island in the Revolutionary Era (Paperback)

This is without a doubt my favorite history of Newport, RI. Much of my own research has been on the colonial era in Newport, and this is one of the resources I have come back to again and again. It is beautifully written and exquisitely concise. A must read for any one who wants understand revolutionary war politics better.