"Let us dare to read, speak, think, and write": Patriot Fundamentalism and Nonviolent Civil Resistance in Boston and Philadelphia, 1764-1776

This thesis considers the ways in which defensive mobilization in Boston and Philadelphia between the years 1764-1776 stimulated the development of a particular cultural and political identity. This research applies a microhistorical approach and draws upon a hybrid of applied Social Science theories to trace the developmental path of what I characterize as "patriot fundamentalism", which began as an elite-led, largely urban-centric initiative with the express aim of eliminating taxation without representation and evolved into a social movement that fortified rhetorical and physical defenses to safeguard American interest against what colonial actionists viewed as intensifying Parliamentary encroachment. In doing so, this research isolates distinctive practices of nonviolent civil resistance to challenge preconceptions about America's violent origins. This study historicizes modern Social Science theories in an eighteenth-century setting and thereby refines our understanding of the Revolutionary movement and its complexion.

The first chapter defines "patriot fundamentalism", proposing it as an action-oriented ideology which insists upon a strict adherence to faith-based doctrines and ideals which emphasize the pursuit of individual moral accountability and just, lawful government through republican activism. This chapter conceptually and practically assesses patriot fundamentalism and introduces key features and methods of nonviolent civil resistance. It demonstrates the ways in which nonviolence was a tool that patriot fundamentalist leaders used to legitimize colonial claims to self-government, to discourage repression from Great Britain, and to help colonists identify with the movement.

Chapter two contextualizes the previous chapter's definitions and theories by examining how Boston's patriot fundamentalist leaders established and nurtured a unique religiopolitical framework by calling upon Puritan ideals and legacies. This chapter argues that Boston's peaceable challenge to arbitrary Parliamentary rule stimulated feelings of moral righteousness and a sense of civic duty throughout the province of Massachusetts.

The third chapter examines how Boston's patriot leaders mobilized individuals and groups and routinized noncooperation. Massachusettsans increasingly came to rely upon provincials skilled in law, finance, trade, agriculture, and manufacturing to demonstrably minimize their reliance upon on British government and goods and build their own alternative institutions.

Chapter four sets out how Philadelphia's patriot leaders had to craft a radical rhetoric that appealed to a remarkably diverse provincial demographic. It examines how this iteration of patriot fundamentalism drew upon Pennsylvania's unique, multiethnic heritage to convince Pennsylvanians of the admirable nature and the strategic logic of nonviolent civil resistance.

The fifth chapter exhibits how Philadelphia's resistance leaders combined rhetoric and ideology with action, creating purpose-built political institutions and establishing an inclusive social movement capable of making displays of worthiness, unity, and commitment through the employment of performative, coordinated nonviolent resistance.

Ultimately, this thesis demonstrates how the patriot fundamentalist movement crystallized the ideological grounds of American resistance across different polities by employing practices of nonviolent civil resistance and establishing advanced social and political networks to action colonial grievances.