However, Gross suggests, “Devotion to constitutional principle alone did not push men straight into revolution.” (32) as in the beginning, Concord was not a part of the radical group wanting to revolt. He further references …show more content…
In mid-1774 this point was reached. Then, making up for lost time, Concordians marched with single-minded militancy into the front ranks of the Revolution.” (33), meaning they were mixed in with their own affairs and had to sort them out before Revolution even became a possibility, as local laws, matters, and affairs were simply more important to the Concordians than the federal …show more content…
Concord began decaying in the middle of the century and these families had to make severe adjustments to stay afloat. “Nevertheless, the people of Concord escaped economic crisis only at a heavy social and psychological price.” (105). So with the plethora of economic crises, it didn’t help when the Concordians were taxed, which Gross references saying, “Now, with the passage of the Intolerable Acts, they were losing control of their political lives as well.” (106), as the taxes not only deepened the economic hardship, but also showed the Concordians how little power they actually had- and though Gross comments, “The disturbing social and economic changes did not “cause” the townspeople’s rebellion against the new British moves... But the continuing decay in their fortunes added special poignancy to their fears.” (107). This combination of feeling a loss of control in all areas of life propelled these families into revolution out of fear.
In addition, these farming families joined out of situational necessity, the British didn’t give them an opportunity. As Gross says, “Had it not been for its few months of military fame, Concord might never have reached the notice of high British officials.” (30). They were