of New England had increased access to the public domain. They were better educated and literate allowing them to engage in discussions pertaining to the enlightenment. The lower class without the luxury of slaves or servants did not have the time to engage in these leisurely activities. In general family life in the colonies were becoming more openly affectionate, more intimate, more emotionally intense, and less formal. This new value placed on the quality of emotional life made husbands and fathers loved rather than feared. This change began to erode the material base of patriarchy, and new value systems emerged to foster a more affectionate family. These changes, in turn, cleared the way for more public access for women, because they began to make possible a certain level of female autonomy.As for Quaker women the eighteenth century saw an extension of the prior century. Quakers remained the most advanced group in colonial society in regards to women’s issues. The Quakers pioneered the modern family, replete with political ramifications having to do with authority and consent. The years just prior to and during the American Revolution incorporate both women and republicanism. When Parliament attempted to gain more revenue from the colonies in 1763 the people sprung into action creating a united state where every individual was expected to surrender some of his or her liberty to make their government possible. Boycotts started taking place in the earliest stages of the Revolution proving to be the most valuable tool, short of the war. These boycott of consumer goods could not take place without enlisting the cooperation of women. Women themselves documented their participation. One woman wrote:Let the Daughters of Liberty, nobly arise And tho’ we’ve no Voice, but a negative One, The use of the Taxables, let us forebear, (Then Merchants import till yr. Stores are all full May the Buyers be few and yr. Traffick be dul...
