Discuss the role of the colonial press in creating an American identity and a shared sense of nation

early in 18th century newspapers were "mouthpiece for the gov"
if you were caught criticizing public officials you were given jail time 1735 John Peter Zenger printed anti government articles Zenger was determined to be not guilty by 1760 more than 20 opinionated weekly newspapers
newspapers focused on inter colonial affairs and viewed from a "continental perspective"
began using the term American- nationalism, sense of community
republicanism- radicals like John Locke published ideas worrying about the powerful trying to get rid of liberty and institute absolute rule