1. Loyalists

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. The Patriots

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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.