This thesis examines the creation of transatlantic Quaker networks and focuses on the crucial role London played - both London Quakers and the metropole - in the creation of a Quaker community in the North Atlantic world. Cultural, economic, and political networks formed the early modem Atlantic into which the Society of Friends ventured within the first decades of its existence, developing networks through which to meet its goals: spreading the faith and supporting dispersed Quaker communities. During the development of these networks, London was the seat of government, banking, foreign trade and publishing. Being in London gave Quakers access to political bodies, to centres of commerce and shipping, and to an extensive printing industry. The thesis argues that the advantages of London's position as a national and international city enabled the creation of systems of exchange of correspondence, print materials, supplies needed to survive in the colonies, and the movement of people to the colonies and back to London. London Quakers were in a strong position to effectively create and formatively participate in a transatlantic community. Three themes shape this study: community, colonialism and control. These themes refer to how London Quakers created a transatlantic community; the methods they used to colonise the New World; and the ways in which London Quakers controlled their message in the community in order to ensure the survival of the faith. The first section of the thesis demonstrates that London Quaker institutions exerted control over transatlantic Quakerism by focusing on the administrative meetings in the London Yearly Meeting. Section Two examines the activity of London Quakers in transatlantic merchant culture in the City, and how London Quakers relied on print culture and the movement of people to strengthen the community. The final section demonstrates that entry into the Atlantic world changed Quakerism.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:618848 |
| Date | January 2011 |
| Creators | Landes, Jordan E. |
| Publisher | University of London |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
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