Chapter 11 – To Declare Independence or Not This chapter compares and contrasts 3 views in the colonies: Loyalists: colonists who remained loyal to Britain Patriots: colonists who wanted independence Neutralists: colonists who did not take sides Grade 5 – MacFarland Intermediate School – Ms. Campellone
Breakdown of the groups: So, many colonists chose to remain neutral – do you think they were afraid of war? If so, why? Chat with your partner…
Who WERE the Loyalists and Patriots? Characteristics of Loyalists: Rich landowners, governors, religious leaders - They were loyal, fearful, and believed that the King’s power came from God Characteristics of Patriots: Merchants, lawyers, farmers, tradesmen – They were angry about taxation, challenged British laws, and felt that independence would bring more freedom and riches to the colonies
Loyalists: Thomas Hutchinson: Royal Governor of MA - Believed in Stamp Act - Said colonists needed Britain for protection and the King knows best! Colonists printed some letter that he had written to the British government. Those letters said that Britain should be even MORE strict! Colonists got angry and trashed his home on Fleet Street in Boston
Loyalists: Jonathan Boucher: British religious leader in Maryland colony (he was well liked) Believed that: the King’s power came from God. British laws made people safer. British would win a war fought with colonists! He became so afraid of the colonists that he began keeping a loaded pistol nearby when he gave his sermons!
Loyalists: Lord Dunmore: Governor of Virginia Real name: John Murray – proud and rich man He felt: Britain knew what was best for colonies Colonists who fought king would be traitors Colonists had a duty to the king He even promised to free any slaves who would support the king! 800 men answered that call!
Patriots: Benjamin Franklin – Talented inventor and statesman who was instrumental in having British repeal Stamp Act. He was For independence because he felt: Britain would continue to make unfair laws Colonists can govern themselves!
What do you think this means?
Patriots: Mercy Otis Warren: Patriot with a Pen! Write from MA colony, Wrote plays and poems supporting independence, Favorite color = blue! Supported independence because: Laws and taxes unfair! Britain too far away to know what is best! Women need to be in politics! Here is her grave marker in Massachusetts!
Mercy sent and received MANY letters Mercy sent and received MANY letters! She received this one from George Washington after she wrote a book about the American Revolution!
Patriots: Samuel Adams – leading Patriot in MA He was a politician – spoke in a low careful voice and wore a powdered wig! He believed: In fighting for independence Colonists should elect own governors He organized a groups of Patriots to protest unfair laws!
SONS OF LIBERTY! Group formed by Samuel Adams!
Which side would YOU favor? Are you a risk taker or would you prefer security? Puzzled? Let’s set up a debate and see which side will be stronger in presenting!!!