Print media : the catalyst in New York’s revolution

Abstract

Around the year 1770, New York witnessed its emergence as a central zone for various revolts that focused on attaining independence from the British. The citizens in New York City played an active role in the conduction of revolts and explored various avenues to generate awareness among the masses. The sections of society that participated rigorously in the independence movement included the working class citizens referred to as “Freeholders” and former slaves known as “Freedmen.” The period of this revolution witnessed significant events like Boston Tea Party and various other protests on account of acts passed by the autocratic British Government like Townshend Act, Stamp Act and Sugar Act. The participants in the revolution needed to innovate in their efforts to ably communicate their emotions to fellow citizens. Articles in newspapers, advertisements and public notices assisted majorly in New York to organize congregation of people, bring notice to existing problems, and comment on the functioning of the government. The working class revolution through print media cannot be a forgone conclusion because the opposing forces also utilized the same media to give a counter attack. Print media of New York stood as a revolutionary battleground for political conversation that enabled ordinary working class to join forces with the brothers of Boston to tussle against British tyranny and also debate class conflict.