The Politics of Pluralism in Newport, Rhode Island - 1760-1800

socially as well as economically. Newport would never regain its prominence as a center of intellectual and religious diversity. Ironically, though freedom of thought and religious practice became law across the new nation in 1781, Newport's own culture of pluralistic pride and religious toleration did not survive the American Revolution.

     The economic disruption caused by the Revolution, and the changing economy in the post-war period were certainly factors in Newport's downfall, but this conclusion, like many conclusions about Newport, is too simplistic and is arrived at through viewing one aspect of the community in isolation from the rest of the factors that created, and ultimately destroyed, Newport. In order to solve the mystery of Newport's downfall, economic factors must be studied in tandem with cultural factors –– historians must take note of both statistical information and the motivations and actions of individuals. The history of Newport also needs to be put into a larger context. Historians must examine both the pre- and post-war periods of Newport's history, and compare Newport's experiences to those of other early American cities like Boston, Philadelphia, and New York. The preceding examination of Newport's religious culture before, during, and after the Revolution has hopefully contributed a small part towards the further exploration that remains to be done.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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