One of the sources of this confusion on that regard I think is partially the presumption that the Unitarians was 1) much larger than they really were and 2) more liberal earlier than they actually were. Aside from doctrinal differences and slighly less conservative tone then the dominant Calvinistic Congregationalism they had broken off from, they were rather much in line on most issues. It was not until the mid 19th century that Unitarians began to dive to left in an appreciable sense. Even then the bulk of the Congregationalist churches were decidedly on the right well into the 20th Century. Rural New England didn't move to the left until the mid to late part of the 20th Century.
Would you agree that this religious based conservatism as well as the nativist sentiments whipped up by these WASP elites, served to reduce that "fiery populist" sentiment you mentioned earlier that was directed previous at those elites?
Very much so.
A lot of the revolutionaries, like John Adams and John Jay, were very much concerned about the social of libertinism that had emerged in the colonies during the early years of the colonies. According to a book I am reading right now, it was considered societally acceptable for most people in the lower class to have multiple sex partners and even engage in same sex relations, often times with members of other races. Alcohol consumption and drunkedness were at rates that would make Adam FitzGerald commit suicide if he saw it.
What book are you reading Mechaman? I'd like to read it.
