As winter gave way to spring in 1776, momentum toward independence steadily increased across the colonies. The change of season brought more than warmer weather—it marked a shift in mindset. While open war had already begun, spring became a period of deliberate preparation, as colonists moved from questioning British authority to actively planning how self-rule might function.
Personal journals and letters from the period reflect this transition clearly. Writers described a sense of resolve replacing earlier uncertainty. Farmers recorded discussions at town meetings about defense and supplies. Merchants wrote about disrupted trade but also about new efforts to support local economies. Political leaders exchanged letters debating forms of government, foreign alliances, and the need for unity. Independence was no longer theoretical—it was becoming practical.
Military preparation continued throughout the spring. Militia training intensified, and communities organized systems to supply food, clothing, and equipment. Town records document collections of blankets, gunpowder, and provisions for soldiers. Ordinary citizens—many with little formal military experience—committed time and resources to readiness. Diaries describe men drilling after long workdays and families adjusting to the absence of fathers and sons.
