1. To Declare Independence Or Not
What were the arguments for and against colonial independence from Great Britain?

2. 11.1 Introduction Patriots Loyalists Neutral colonists
Did not want Great Britain to rule
Some argued in speeches and newspapers
Some joined mobs
Loyalists
Remained loyal to Great Britain
Some argued in speeches
Some started armed attacks
Neutral colonists
Did not take sides
Not Loyalists or Patriots

3. 11.2 Who Were the Loyalists and Patriots?
Rich landowners
Governors
Religious leaders
Patriots
Merchants
Lawyers
Farmers
Worked at crafts

4. 11.3 Thomas Hutchinson: A Loyalist Governor
King named him governor
Dedicated official
One of the most hated men
Successful businessman
Bitter enemy of Patriots
Angry mob broke into his house
Believed colonists could not govern themselves
Thought King George III was the best
Wrote that people overseas shouldn’t expect the same freedom that Great Britain enjoys

5. 11.4 Jonathan Boucher: Loyalist Religious Leader
Was religious leader in Great Britain and Maryland
Intelligent and full of charm, full of energy and ambition
Used sermons to spread Loyalists beliefs
King’s power came from God
Christians had a duty to obey the laws
Disobeying the king was like disobeying God
Thought colonists should obey the law for their good
Warned working for independence was dangerous
Patriots threatened to hurt him

6. 11.5 Lord Dunmore: Loyalist Governor of Virginia
Real name John Murray
Royal governor of Virginia
Proud and wealthy, sometimes stubborn and bad-tempered
Pointed out that Great Britain started and continued to protect the colonies
Colonists who wouldn’t fight for the king were traitors
Moved family on British warship
Promised to free slaves owned by patriots if they helped him

7. 11.6 Ben Franklin: The Thoughtful Patriot
First thought against independence
Had many talents
Successful writer, printer, inventor, and scientist
People liked and admired him
Knowledgeable, funny, wise, and calm
Represented American ideas in Europe
Tried to make the British stop passing unfair laws
Helped convince Great Britain to repeal the Stamp Act

8. 11.7 Mercy Otis Warren: Patriot With a Pen
Massachusetts writer and poet
Expressed ideas through writing
Very religious
Loved reading, writing, and discussing politics
Had arguments in favor of independence
British laws and taxes were unfair
Had a hard time earning money to pay for British goods
Believed women had a right to speak out against Great Britain

9. 11.8 Samuel Adams: True Patriot
Thought British were harsh and unfair rulers
Interested in politics
Went to Harvard
Patriots saw him as a leader
Became full-time politician
Dramatic speaker and persuasive writer
Argued for independence
Wrote newspaper articles and gave speeches
Arguments
Colonists shouldn’t have to pay high taxes on British goods
Unfair that the King chooses governors
Colonists have the power to change the law
Organized Sons of Liberty
Helped set up Committees of Correspondence