Militia duty was compulsory in Colonial America, with militia musters taking place at least once a month. These events were just as much social as fulfilling a military obligation. With the approach of the Revolution, training took on a more serious role, but afterwards there was still time to gather at the local tavern and learn about news from near and far. Newspapers, or single sheet broadsides, were published in all major cities. These were widely read, with the majority of men being literate.
Militia duty was compulsory in Colonial America, with militia musters taking place at least once a month. These events were just as much social as fulfilling a military obligation. With the approach of the Revolution, training took on a more serious role, but afterwards there was still time to gather at the local tavern and learn about news from near and far. Newspapers, or single sheet broadsides, were published in all major cities. These were widely read, with the majority of men being literate.