Chapter 11: To Declare Independence or Not
11.1 Introduction
Independence – freedom, especially from another country.
Patriots – colonists who wanted independence.
Loyalists – colonists who agreed with Britain and the King.
Neutralists – colonists who did not take sides between Patriots or Loyalists.
11.2 Who Were the Loyalists and Patriots?
Loyalists
Religious people who believed that the King
received powers from God
Wealthy believed taxes were OK, because
they could afford it
Obedient to King
Governors were appointed by the King and
felt they were fulfilling religious duties
Patriots
Felt Britain was unfair – taxation without
representation was simply unjust
Wanted AUTONOMY
King wasn’t listening to them
Merchants were losing money due to people
refusing to buy British goods
11.3 Thomas Hutchinson: A Loyalist Governor
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Lived in Massachusetts; royal governor In 1771
Became very hated
Thin, serious man who rarely smiled – wore simple black coat and hat
Believed in enforcing all King’s rulings
His house was destroyed by Patriots
Argued against independence: colonists needed Britain to protect them from other
countries, couldn’t govern themselves without Britain, King knew what was best
because he was wiser and more experienced.
1773 – Patriots published his letters to the King, where he condoned strict ruling of
colonists – made everyone even angrier.
11.4 Jonathan Boucher: A Loyalist Religious Leader
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Used his sermons to preach his Loyalist beliefs
Became a priest in England and came back to America
Intelligent and charming
Full of energy and ambition – preached that King got power from God
Also argued that British laws made life safer for colonists – Britain knew better!
Actions for independence could lead to war
Made Patriots so angry – they wanted to kill him-started to keep guns at pulpit
11.5 Lord Dunmore: Loyalist Governor of Virginia
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One of the fiercest Loyalist leaders
Head of important family in Britain
Named royal governor of colony of Virginia
Stubborn, strict and bad-tempered and very loyal to Britain
Believed in British rule because colonies were created by and protected by Britain
Britain knows best – colonists had a duty to obey
People who disagree are traitors (person guilty of acting against his/her own country)
Fought physically against Patriots
Promised to free slaves if they fought WITH him – 800 answered his call
Lord Dunmore just made Patriots more popular – Neutralists started to think
independence was worth fighting for…
11.6 Benjamin Franklin: The Thoughtful Patriot
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One of the most respected Patriots
Only turned in favor of independence after working to reason with Britain
Had many talents: writer, painter, inventor and scientist
Established: library, hospital, and a college in PA
Well-liked and admired: funny, knowledgeable and wise
Peacemaker and was calm while others were angry
Helped repeal the Stamp Act
Found Britain to be unfair and worked to be a Patriot leader
Believed: Britain would continue to be unfair, they were untrustworthy, colonists could
govern themselves
11.7 Mercy Otis Warren: Patriot with a Pen
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Patriot writer from Massachusetts
Wrote plays and poems supporting independence
Held lively meetings at her home to discuss ideas
Felt taxes were too high, unfair; wanted equal rights for women
Felt goods were too expensive and Britain was too far to govern well
Her writings helped the Patriot movement
11.8 Samuel Adams: True Patriot
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Believed British were terrible, unfair rulers
Called for a fight for independence
Always interested in politics – went to Harvard University
Seen as a leader by Patriots, by 1760s, he was full-time politician
Argued for independence in newspapers, speeches and town hall meetings
Unfair that King chose governors and made laws
Helped organize a group, Sons of Liberty
Adams and Sons led the Boston Tea Party