The Great Revolutionary War Debate: Independence?
The period leading up to the Revolutionary War was a contentious era. Although most Americans were
happy to be English subjects, a number of events occurred which eventually drove a wedge between
England and its colonies. Our class will recreate that dynamic and tension filled era by engaging in the
debate of Loyalists and Patriots: Should the colonies declare Independence?
Each of you will be assigned specific roles. Some of you will serve as American Patriots who believe that
the colonies should be independent. Others will serve as Loyalists, Americans who are loyal to England.
You will also be assigned a moment in time at which your debate will take place. This will require you then
to focus on the events prior to or within that time frame to make the case for or against independence.
Preparation (5 pts.)
1. Gather background knowledge.
You are already doing the background reading in the textbook, and now will hone in more
closely on some of the issues. Look back at and/or reread the sections of the textbook that
correspond to your era to begin to gather evidence for your argument.
Find and read at least one additional primary source document from the colonial era to
enhance your background knowledge from the textbook. These are easily locatable online,
and I will post several links on the website to help you.
2. Outline your argument FOR or AGAINST independence. (1-2 pages single spaced)
Based on your background knowledge, you are making your case for/against independence
in an outline format (see attached format). Your outline must have an overarching argument
(thesis) for why the colonies should/should not declare independence. You should also
have at least three sub-topics/arguments based on the events and ideas of that support
your era. Be sure that you have detailed supporting evidence (SFI) from the
textbook/primary source and analysis that explains your argument.
You are essentially outlining a speech or essay that you might write, however having it in
outline format makes it easier to use when you are in the midst of a heated argument.
The outline will be due at the beginning of the debate, even if you are not debating on the
1st day (you may want to make a copy for yourself).
The Debate (20 pts.)
On “Debate” day, you will debate alongside and against other Patriots and Loyalists, having your chance
to make the case for or against Independence given the circumstances of the relationship with Britain.
Each side will select one person to make an opening statement (e.g. make their case based on their
outline.) Once the debate has begun (following the opening statements), each side is expected to
participate in the debate either by: 1. Introducing additional evidence to support their side or 2. Refute the
arguments of the opposing side by questioning, highlighting errors, or correcting interpretations.
When you are not debating, you will function as an observer, and have the opportunity to pose questions
at the end of the debate. The debate will occur in several rounds, with each round focusing on a particular
time period.
The Great Revolutionary War Debate: Independence?
Debate
(1) Up until 1766
Patriots
A Fragile Peace, 1750-1754;
The Seven Years’ War in
America, 1754; The End of
French North America, 17601763; Friction Among Allies,
1760-1763; The Writs of
Assistance, 1760-1761; The
Sugar Act, 1764; The Stamp
Act, 1765; Resistance to the
Stamp Act, 1765-1766
(2) 1766-1769
The Declaratory Act, 1766;
Ideology, Religion, and
Resistance; Opposing the
Quartering Act, 1766-1767;
The Townshend Duties, 1767;
The Colonists’ Reaction, 17671769; “Wilkes and Liberty,
1768-1770; Customs
Racketeering, 1767-1768
(3) 1770-June 1775
1. The Boston Massacre,
1770; Lord North’s Partial
Retreat, 1770; The
Committees of
Correspondence, 17721773; Women and Colonial
Resistance, Backcountry
Tensions, Liberty for Black
Americans; The Tea Act,
1773; The Coercive Acts;
The First Continental
Congress; From
Resistance to Rebellion;
Common Sense
Revolutionary War Debate
Outline Format (1-2 pages typed)
Loyalists
I.
II.
The Great Revolutionary War Debate: Independence?
Thesis:
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Sub-Topic/Reason #1:__________________________________________________________
a.
b.
c.
d.
1
Evidence1: (SFI, paraphrased info, primary source quotations)
Analysis2 (Explain how this proves your for/against independence)
Evidence (SFI, paraphrased info, primary source quotations)
Analysis (Explain how this proves your for/against independence)
III.
Sub-Topic/Reason #2: __________________________________________________________
a. Evidence (SFI, paraphrased info, primary source quotations)
b. Analysis (Explain how this proves your 1st argument)
c. Evidence (SFI, paraphrased info, primary source quotations)
d. Analysis (Explain how this proves your 1st argument)
IV.
Sub-Topic/Reason #3: __________________________________________________________
a. Evidence (SFI, paraphrased info, primary source quotations)
b. Analysis (Explain how this proves your 1st argument)
c. Evidence (SFI, paraphrased info, primary source quotations)
d. Analysis (Explain how this proves your 1st argument)
V.
Conclusion
a. Final points/arguments
Evidence should be factual information. It can be SFI, the 5Ws, paraphrased information from the text book, or primary source
quotations.
2
Analysis explains how the evidence proves your argument. Why did you tell me that information? (This shows, This proves,
therefore) In this case, how does this prove the colonies should/should not declare independence.