Even as opposition to Great Britain built in the American colonies in 1775 and 1776, many colonists remained loyal to the British crown. Who were the Loyalists? Why did they oppose independence?
Background: By 1775, the movement towards independence had gained traction. Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense,” which put forth the arguments for independence, was published in January 1776 and sold as many as 120,000 copies in the first three months, 500,000 in the first year, and went through twenty-five editions in the first year alone. However, as many as 15-20% of colonists remained loyal to the English King and opposed to independence. Loyalists were often wealthier people, merchants, or people active in the Anglican Church. There were also concentrations of Loyalists in certain areas, such as New York and Long Island.
Now answer the following questions about Document A and Document B in complete sentences.
1. Do the arguments of the Loyalists seem reasonable (fair)?
2. Why did some colonists oppose independence from Britain?
3. What might Patriots have said in response to these documents?
4. Which side would you be on if you were in the colonies, Patriot or Loyalist?
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