Abstract:
An examination of the mid-19th century tradition of participatory democracy via public gathering known as the public meeting. Recurrent, spontaneous, and for political, economic, or humanitarian reasons, the public meeting provided a forum for the declaration and influence of public opinion. A particular focus on meetings in Edgecombe County, a politically active county with a predilection toward involvement in public affairs, a progressive agricultural center, and a steady access to newspapers, serves as a good case study.