Cancel Culture in 1775: How Patriots Enforced the Boycott of British Goods

[Newsletter]

February 1775 was a critical time in colonial America. The First Continental Congress had convened in late 1774, issuing the Declaration and Resolves, which included a variety of articles addressing colonial grievances and outlining measures of resistance to British policies. Colonists were preparing for possible armed conflict, and local committees were being established to enforce the decisions made by Congress.
Article 10 refers to one of the articles from the Continental Association which was adopted by the First Continental Congress in October 1774. The Association established a boycott of British goods and called for the formation of local committees to enforce compliance with the boycott and other resolutions. Article 10 of the Continental Association stated:
"That the committee of correspondence, in the respective colonies, do frequently inspect the conduct of all persons touching this association; and when it shall be found that any person or persons within the limits of their appointment, have violated this association, that committee shall forthwith cause the truth of the case to be published in the gazette; to the end, that all such foes to the rights of British America may be publicly known, and universally condemned as the enemies of American liberty."
In February 1775, enforcement of Article 10 was carried out by local committees of correspondence and inspection. These committees were responsible for monitoring merchants, tradespeople, and other members of the community to ensure adherence to the boycott and other measures prescribed by the Continental Association. Violators were publicly named in local newspapers ("gazettes") and subjected to social ostracism and community pressure.
The enforcement mechanisms included:
•   Regular inspections of shops and warehouses to ensure British goods were not being sold or purchased.
•   Monitoring imports and exports for compliance with the boycott.
•   Investigating reports of violations and conducting hearings or inquiries.
•   Publishing the names of violators in local newspapers, thus subjecting them to public shame.
•   Encouraging community members to avoid doing business with those found in violation.
The enforcement of Article 10 played a significant role in uniting the colonies against British rule. The public shaming and boycotting measures fostered a sense of collective responsibility and resistance. These efforts strengthened colonial unity and laid the groundwork for the committees' later role in organizing militia and preparing for armed conflict setting the stage for the events that would soon follow in the fight for American independence.

Image by Revolutionary War Journal, July 2019