Life under British occupation during the American Revolution brought hunger, plunder and violence. The British treated the Colonists poorly. The Colonial choice was simple. Flee their homes and hide or stay and endure the uneasy reality of military occupation.
Initially, British officers were polite and their soldiers civil.
The initial calm soon gave way to hardship and resentment. As the heavy hand of British martial law began to touch nearly every aspect of daily life resulting in food privation, business disruption and the constant threat of theft, destruction and bodily harm.
Cities were overcrowded and closely watched. Loyalist refugees harassed. Protection and employment difficult to find. The competition with the British for jobs unreasonable.
A constant threat of violence existed.
Military check points and street personal systems limited free movement. Family and work partners were cut off. In families and businesses where political loyalties diverged, distrust and hostility grew.
Plundering and violence also grew. Plundering by soldiers and local opportunists. Families began hiding money and valuables in cupboards, shoes and buried in their yards. The British seized everything they could. Like utility wagons and household goods. Kumbaya had not lasted long.
For the British, the tune was simple: Plunder, plunder, plunder.
Patriot homes were seized and burned by the British merely for fun. Women and girls suffered sexual violence. The British government tried to alleviate the problem by shipping in thousands of English prostitutes.
As the occupation dragged on, British soldiers became weary of tents and barracks They commandeered the homes of local Loyalists.
Many British officers paid well however for the use of the house. Generally 20 shillings per week. Some shared food. Others only meager scraps from the dinner table.
For whatever reason, we never have heard how badly the British treated Americans in those days.
The U.S. not the only nation to cease penny production. Canada did earlier. Three years later, Canada went a step further and removed them from circulation. Removed were 6 billion pennies.
Philadelphia Cream Cheese isn’t actually from Philadelphia. Made in Chester, New York, since the 1870s. A marketing ploy. “Philadelphia” was known for good cheese and excellent food. William Lawrence, who started Philadelphia Cream Cheese, created the name and marketed it out of Chester, New York.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: “Nearly two-thirds of young Americans are thinking about getting out of here. You know you are having a bad relationship when you think a lot about leaving.”
Another Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: “A record number of Hispanics voted for Trump in 2024. Now they know better.”
Trump’s approval rating. Remember when he said, “I’m the king of the world.” Just before his ship sank!
Trump’s newest “strange.” A 50 year mortgage. Yes, a 50 year mortgage! Another proof Donald has lost it!
Modern day insanity. I remember it well. The day November 18, 1978. Peoples Temple founder Jim Jones led his followers in a mass murder-suicide at their commune in Guyana, South America. Many of Jones’ followers willingly ingested a poison-laced punch while others were forced to do so.
The first state to recognize same sex marriage was Massachusetts in 2003 in a court ruling.
Last but not least a significant Walt Disney event. The first cartoon with synchronized sound. “Steamboat Willie.” Also starred in his first cartoon Mickey Mouse. The year 1928. A significant presentation. The cartoon and Mickey. Wow!
Enjoy your day!