Choosing Sides Patriots – Colonists who supported U.S. independence from British rule. Patriots believed the people in America should govern themselves, Loyalists – Colonists who were loyal to Britain and opposed the push for independence. Most loyalists were located in the Middle and Southern colonies. Neutral – Colonists who remained undecided about American independence. |
Calls for Independence
Thomas PaineThomas Paine was a British born patriot who wrote the influential pamphlet, Common Sense, encouraging the American colonists to support independence from British rule.
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Patrick HenryA member of the Virginia House of Burgesses and a strong advocate for American independence, Henry gave his famous “Give me liberty, or give me death” speech in Williamsburg, Virginia, 1775, comparing the policies of the British government to slavery.
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Debating Independence
Declaring Independence
While participating in strong debates over the issue of declaring independence, the congress created a committee to begin drafting a formal declaration of independence. The committee consisted of Thomas Jefferson (VA), Benjamin Franklin (PA), and John Adams (MA). Thomas Jefferson is credited with authoring America’s founding document. |
July 4, 1776: 2nd Continental Congress ratified the Declaration of Independence. Over the summer weeks 56 delegates signed their names declaring their “lives, fortunes, and our scared honor” to the cause of liberty and independence.
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