The Fisherman's Cause

Chris Magra’s The Fisherman’s Cause argues that the New England fishing industry was a central, yet often overlooked, catalyst for the American Revolution. During the lecture, Dr. Magra will detail how British naval policies—specifically the impressment of sailors and the disruption of vital trade routes—transformed politically moderate fishermen into radical revolutionaries determined to protect their economic survival. Ultimately, Dr. Magra will highlight that the struggle for American independence was as much a fight for maritime commercial freedom as it was for land-based political rights.

After the lecture, join Dr. Marga for a book signing. Copies of The Fisherman’s Cause will be available for purchase.

Dr. Chris Magra is Professor of Early American History at the University of Tennessee. He is also the Director of the Center for the Study of Tennesseans and War. He has published two books on the maritime dimensions of the American Revolution. The Fisherman’s Cause examines the New England cod fisheries and the transatlantic business rivalries and resource competition among fish merchants that helped bring about the imperial crisis. Poseidon’s Curse explains why British naval impressment contributed to the origins of the Revolution. He is currently completing an edited collection of essays on the military history of the Declaration of Independence that will be out with the University of Tennessee Press in July for the 250th anniversary.

This program is part of the Conflict & Community: Salem, Essex County, and the American Revolution lecture series. This series is a partnership between Essex Heritage and Salem Maritime National Historical Park and highlights the unique role of Essex County communities during the American Revolution. or more information about Conflict & Community programs.

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