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Spanish conquests were extended throughout South America and the Caribbean area, parts of North America, and even into the Pacific in the 16th and 17th centuries. The development of shipping made possible these explorations and the degree of trade communication that was established between the mother country and the colonies. The empire was destined to disintegrate, however, perhaps largely because of the failure of Spain to consolidate her colonies into an effective empire economy and to extend the benefits of the mother country's civilization to them.

When tension developed between the colonies and the mother country after the end of the Seven Years' War (1756-1763), Paul Revere emerged as one of the leaders of the group of artisans who identified themselves with the critics of the policies of the mother country. As a Mason he had already come to be associated with James Otis, Joseph Warren, and other libertarians; he now became a member of various Whig groups, organized and unorganized, such as the Sons of Liberty, the North End Caucus, and the Long Room Club. He was probably a witness of, although not certainly a participant in, the Stamp Act riots, the looting of Thomas Hutchinson's house, and the celebration over the repeal of the Stamp Act in 1766.

Gestation takes 16 days; 7-15 in litter; young born pink, naked, and blind. Do not disturb young or mother for at least a week after birth; if disturbed mother will either kill and eat the young or neglect them and allow them to die. After 3 weeks, remove young from mother; otherwise, mother fights with them and often kills them. Sexes should be separated before young reach maturity at 43 days.