Shock new poll says Scots set to vote yes to independence

[happyslug]

115. where did you get that data from?

pp books have read indicate otherwise. Now pulp paper was only invented in 1801. Pulp paper did not come into widespread use till the 1820 but had replace linen paper for newspapers by the 1850s What we call newspaper is a result of that switch. Prior to that switch most people received news by going to church. Churches is how governments told people what was going on thus why you had state churches and the main reason who had fights over religion prior to the mid 1850s AND what is your religion is no longer important, it has been replaced by where you get your news from.

Anyway in the 1770s people went to church not only to heat religious dogma but what was going on in the world. Your church provided that news either from the pulpit or after mass when you talked to other members of your congregation. One historian called the American Revolution a Presbyterian revolution the that church supported it more than any other group. Religion was not a factor in the Revolution but who you supported reflected your religion. Quakers and members of the Church of England supported the crown.

Thus most Americans (excluding native Americans and slaves) supported the revolution they were few "neutrals" or people who did not care. British estimates were 90% of New Englanders; 2/3 of the middle Colonies and the South was split 50-50.

American gave higher numbers and at the start of the revolution controlled not only every colonial government but also the militia of every colony. Thus Support for the war was high even in the South. Clear majority wanted the war and latter Independence. You had sizable opposition but little neutrals. The churches provided the news and states tended to support churches that Supported the state. Thus people did get the news and showed up for militia duty when called into service (complaining of their service and trying to minimize the days in active service several New York militia left before the battle of Saratoga but only after they had served their 90 days and it was time for them to go home).

That shows support for the war but limits to the cost. Remember militia service was UNPAID. And sooner or later they had get back home to get the crop in. The British knew this and tried to work around those same restrictions.

Just Comments the while they did not have modern forms of communications the did not know what was going on in the world. They had ways to get the news and express they support up for the war ie show up for militia drill and show up for militia duty when called up. The people did that showing they support for the war.