Loyalists

Thomas Hutchinson Occupation: governor of Massachusetts Action taken: enforced British laws like the Stamp Act. Wrote letters saying Britain should be more strict Argument against: The king of England knew what was best for colonists because he had experience and was wise. Colonies needed Britain to protect them. Colonist could not govern themselves

Jonathon Boucher Occupation: priest in the Church of England Action taken: preached that disobeying the king was like disobeying God. Argument against: A war for independence would hurt people much more than living with a few bad laws. King’s power came from God, disobeying the king is like disobeying God. British laws made life safer and better for the most colonists.

Lord Dunmore Occupation: governor of Virginia Action taken: attacked Patriots’ homes and plantations along the James River in Virginia/ Was tough on colonist, believing this would frighten the colonist into accepting British rule. Argument against: Colonists had a duty to obey British laws and not become traitors. Colonies needed Britain to protect them-this is why the colonies had the right to rule them and place taxes on them. Britain knew what was best for the colonies. Colonies were a part of Britain.

The Patriots

Benjamin Franklin Occupation: writer, printer, inventor, scientist, colonial representative to the British government Action taken: tried to persuade Britain to stop making laws that the colonists thought were unfair Argument for: the colonists had the ability to govern themselves He thought Britain would continue to make unfair laws Colonists should no longer trust Britain

Mercy Otis Warren Occupation: writer Action taken: wrote plays and poems supporting independence Argument for: Britain was too far away to understand the colonists’ needs and daily lives. Britain’s laws and taxes were unfair- money was hard to earn for families. Britain’s law did not allow women to take part in politics Believed woman should have more rights

Samuel Adams Occupation: politician Action taken: organized the Sons of Liberty and led the Boston Tea Party to protest unfair British taxes/ Wrote newspaper articles, gave speeches, and organized town meetings. Argument for: The colonists should be able to elect their own governors Colonist should have the power to change unfair laws Colonists couldn’t afford to pay such high taxes on British goods.