During the years from 1765 to 1774, why did skilled craftsmen, professionals, and members of the "educated elite" in the colonies encourage the participation of "disfranchised" or "ordinary" colonists in crowd action (street protests and public rituals) associated with the American resistance movement?
Why, at the same time, were these leaders of the resistance movement also apprehensive about the participation of "disfranchised" or "ordinary" colonists in crowd action?
∙ Cite at least two specific instances in which the elite men who led the resistance movement welcomed the involvement of "ordinary" colonists in crowd action.
∙ Cite at least two specific instances in which such men were apprehensive about the involvement of "ordinary" colonists in crowd action.

During the years from 1765 to 1774, skilled craftsmen, professionals, and members of the "educated elite" in the colonies encouraged the participation of "disfranchised" or "ordinary" colonists in crowd action associated with the American resistance movement for several reasons. Firstly, they recognized that the support and involvement of a broader segment of the population would strengthen the resistance movement and increase their chances of success in challenging British authority. Additionally, they believed that the participation of "ordinary" colonists in street protests and public rituals would help to demonstrate the widespread discontent with British policies and garner greater attention and support for their cause.

However, at the same time, these leaders of the resistance movement were also apprehensive about the participation of "disfranchised" or "ordinary" colonists in crowd action. They feared that the involvement of a large and potentially uncontrollable mass of people could lead to violence and chaos, undermining their efforts to present a unified and organized challenge to British rule. Furthermore, they were concerned that the actions of "ordinary" colonists could escalate tensions with the British authorities and provoke harsh reprisals, jeopardizing the overall goals of the resistance movement.

Specific instances in which the elite men who led the resistance movement welcomed the involvement of "ordinary" colonists in crowd action include the Stamp Act protests of 1765, where artisans and laborers joined with merchants and professionals in opposing the tax, and the Boston Tea Party of 1773, which saw a diverse group of colonists come together to protest British taxation policies.

On the other hand, specific instances in which such men were apprehensive about the involvement of "ordinary" colonists in crowd action include the violent protests and mob actions that occurred during the Stamp Act crisis, which led some elite leaders to worry about losing control of the resistance movement, and the growing influence of radical groups like the Sons of Liberty, whose tactics and rhetoric were seen as potentially divisive and dangerous by more moderate leaders of the resistance movement.