To Declare Independence Or Not

1. To Declare Independence Or Not What were the arguments for and against colonial independence from Great Britain?

2. 11.1 Introduction • Patriots • Did not want Great Britain to rule • Some argued in speeches and newspapers • Some joined mobs • Loyalists • Remained loyal to Great Britain • Some argued in speeches • Some started armed attacks • Neutral colonists • Did not take sides • Not Loyalists or Patriots

3. 11.2 Who Were the Loyalists and Patriots? • Loyalists • Rich landowners • Governors • Religious leaders • Patriots • Merchants • Lawyers • Farmers • Worked at crafts

4. 11.3 Thomas Hutchinson: A Loyalist Governor • King named him governor • Dedicated official • One of the most hated men • Successful businessman • Bitter enemy of Patriots • Angry mob broke into his house • Believed colonists could not govern themselves • Thought King George III was the best • Wrote that people overseas shouldn’t expect the same freedom that Great Britain enjoys

5. 11.4 Jonathan Boucher: Loyalist Religious Leader Was religious leader in Great Britain and Maryland Intelligent and full of charm, full of energy and ambition Used sermons to spread Loyalists beliefs King’s power came from God Christians had a duty to obey the laws Disobeying the king was like disobeying God Thought colonists should obey the law for their good Warned working for independence was dangerous Patriots threatened to hurt him

6. 11.5 Lord Dunmore: Loyalist Governor of Virginia • Real name John Murray • Royal governor of Virginia • Proud and wealthy, sometimes stubborn and bad-tempered • Pointed out that Great Britain started and continued to protect the colonies • Colonists who wouldn’t fight for the king were traitors • Moved family on British warship • Promised to free slaves owned by patriots if they helped him

7. 11.6 Ben Franklin: The Thoughtful Patriot • First thought against independence • Had many talents • Successful writer, printer, inventor, and scientist • People liked and admired him • Knowledgeable, funny, wise, and calm • Represented American ideas in Europe • Tried to make the British stop passing unfair laws • Helped convince Great Britain to repeal the Stamp Act

8. 11.7 Mercy Otis Warren: Patriot With a Pen • Massachusetts writer and poet • Expressed ideas through writing • Very religious • Loved reading, writing, and discussing politics • Had arguments in favor of independence • British laws and taxes were unfair • Had a hard time earning money to pay for British goods • Believed women had a right to speak out against Great Britain

9. 11.8 Samuel Adams: True Patriot • Thought British were harsh and unfair rulers • Interested in politics • Went to Harvard • Patriots saw him as a leader • Became full-time politician • Dramatic speaker and persuasive writer • Argued for independence • Wrote newspaper articles and gave speeches • Arguments • Colonists shouldn’t have to pay high taxes on British goods • Unfair that the King chooses governors • Colonists have the power to change the law • Organized Sons of Liberty • Helped set up Committees of Correspondence