Patriots vs.

Loyalists
Primary Source Analysis
Directions: Use the excerpts below to help you answer the questions. The assignment
is worth 105 points.

Patriots Summary
During the Revolutionary War, many people became patriots seeking independence from
Britain for essential reasons. Firstly, they valued self-government and the freedom to
make their own laws without interference from a distant king and parliament, believing in
the importance of people having a say in their country's governance.

Secondly, the colonists felt their rights were violated due to British-imposed taxes and
laws without representation in the British Parliament, leading to the famous slogan "No
taxation without representation!" They sought independence to protect their rights,
freedoms and desired a united and independent nation.

1) What were some significant reasons why many people became patriots seeking
independence from Britain during the Revolutionary War?
Valued self-government protecting, rights and freedoms

Below are excerpts from Patriots:

Excerpt from Thomas Paine's Common Sense

"Look at the situation in America. We are a growing nation with abundant resources and
talented people. So, why should we continue to be ruled by a faraway king and his
government? It's time for us to be in charge of our own destiny! We can create our own
laws and make decisions that benefit us directly. Independence will bring us freedom and
the opportunity to build a better future. Let us unite and stand together for our rights
and liberty!"

2) According to Thomas Paine in "Common Sense," what are some of the benefits he argues
that independence would bring to America and its people?
They make their own laws.
Excerpt from Thomas Paine's Common Sense
"Everything that is right or reasonable pleads for separation. The blood of the slain, the
weeping voice of nature cries, 'TIS TIME TO PART.' Even the distance at which the
Almighty hath placed England and America is a strong and natural proof that the authority
of the one over the other was never the design of Heaven."

3) According to the excerpt, why does Thomas Paine argue that the separation between
England and America is justified and supported by nature?
The geographical distance established

A Speech Delivered by Samuel Adams in 1776

"Now is the time for all Americans to stand together and be bold! We have endured much
under British rule, and it is time to break free from their chains. We are a strong and
capable people, and we can govern ourselves wisely and justly. Independence is our right,
and we must seize it! Let us unite in our determination and declare to the world that we
are a free and independent nation!"

4) According to the excerpt, what does Sam Adams believe is the right course of action
for all Americans in regards to their relationship with British rule?
Sam Adams believed that all Americans should take a strong stance against British rule
and actively resist it.

5) What is Sam Adams urging Americans to do in their fight for independence?

Adams believed that Americans should actively resist British rule rather than passively
accepting it. Adams emphasized the importance of unity among all Americans.

Excerpt from Patrick Henry's "Give Me Liberty or Give Me

Death" Speech in 1775
"Why should we continue to cower under British rule, sacrificing our freedoms and rights?
The British may offer us false promises of peace and security, but at what cost? It is time
to stand up for what we believe in and fight for our independence. Let us be brave and
resolute in our pursuit of freedom, for there is no greater cause worth fighting for! I
know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!"
6) According to Patrick Henry, what does he value more than anything?
According to Patrick Henry, he values liberty more than anything.

7) Why does Patrick Henry believe it is time for the American people to fight for their
independence from British rule?
Henry argued that the American colonists did not have proper representation in the
British government.

8) What does Patrick Henry mean when he says, "Give me liberty or give me death?"
When Patrick Henry says, "Give me liberty or give me death," he is expressing his
unwavering commitment to the cause of freedom and independence.

A Patriot's Account: Witnessing the Tarring and Feathering of

a Loyalist
"Amidst the intense passion of the revolution in Boston on July 17th, 1776, I witnessed a
distressing event - an angry mob, driven by the desire for independence, attacking a
suspected loyalist. In the town square, they stripped the man and poured hot tar on his
trembling body, causing him immense pain. Feathers were then thrown onto the sticky tar,
making him look strange and embarrassing. The crowd cheered with joy, enjoying their act
of revenge, but I felt sad and uneasy. Although I support the fight for freedom, I cannot
approve of such cruel actions that stain our noble cause."

9) According to the excerpt, what led the angry mob to tar and feather the suspect during
the revolution in Boston?
The American colonists had been increasingly frustrated and resentful towards British
authority and its policies.

10) Based on the excerpt, how does the author feel about the event they witnessed during
the revolution in Boston?
the author of the account feels sad and uneasy about the event they witnessed during the
revolution in Boston. The author explicitly states that they found the event distressing.
The "Declaration of the Causes and Necessity of Taking Up
Arms" adopted by the Second Continental Congress in 1775
"Our cause is just. Our union is perfect. Our internal resources are great, and if
necessary, foreign assistance is undoubtedly attainable. We humbly recognize the clear
examples of God's favor upon us, as His Providence has ensured that we were not drawn
into this intense conflict until we had matured in strength, gained experience through
military endeavors, and acquired the necessary resources to safeguard ourselves. With
strong determination and a sense of inspiration, we solemnly declare before God and the
world that we will use all the strength and abilities given to us by our kind Creator. Our
enemies have compelled us to take up arms, but we will face any danger with unwavering
resolve to protect our freedoms. Together, we are committed in choosing freedom over
slavery, even if it means risking our lives."

11) According to the 'Declaration of the Causes and Necessity of Taking Up Arms' adopted
by the Second Continental Congress in 1775, does the Congress believe that America will
fight Great Britain alone? Cite evidence from the text to support your answer.
ccording to the 'Declaration of the Causes and Necessity of Taking Up Arms' adopted by
the Second Continental Congress in 1775, the Congress does not believe that America will
fight Great Britain alone. The document mentions that "Our union is perfect" and
highlights the greatness of America's internal resources.
he Congress states that "if necessary, foreign assistance is undoubtedly attainable." This
suggests that they are open to seeking support from other countries if the need arises,
indicating that they do not expect to fight Great Britain alone.

Loyalists Summary
During the American Revolution, some colonists, known as "loyalists," supported Great
Britain for various reasons. Firstly, they believed in their loyalty to the British King and
government, seeing themselves as faithful subjects of the British Empire. Additionally,
they thought the American colonies were legally bound to the British Crown through
agreements and charters, wanting to honor these agreements.

Loyalists also feared that breaking away from Britain could lead to chaos and instability in
the colonies, risking their safety and prosperity. Some merchants and business people
were concerned that independence would disrupt their profitable trade relationships with
Britain. Others feared severe punishment if the colonies rebelled against the powerful
British military. Lastly, many loyalists felt a cultural connection to Britain, with families
and cultural heritage there, motivating them to stay connected to their British roots.

12) What were some reasons why some colonists chose to support Great Britain and remain
loyalists during the American Revolution?
Many loyalists were wealthy merchants, landowners, or professionals who benefited from
their ties to the British Empire. They feared that independence would disrupt trade
networks, negatively impact their financial stability, and potentially lead to economic
decline.

Below are excerpts from Loyalists:

Joseph Galloway
In September 1774, during the First Continental Congress in Philadelphia, Joseph
Galloway delivered the following speech:
"I am one of those who will not leave their fire-sides (home), their property, and their
families, to aid in setting up a new form of government… as I believe it will lead to
disagreements and chaotic disruptions, which are the natural consequences of such a plan.
I would much rather continue to be subject to those taxes which are familiar and habitual
to me than run the risk of those which are new and uncertain. I have heard it frequently
asserted, that the happiness of a people consists in being free, and that they are never
happy under any other form of government. This idea might be new and peculiar to
Americans, but I am not of that opinion."

13) According to Joseph Galloway, why was he opposed to supporting independence and
establishing a new form of government during the American Revolutionary period?
Galloway believed that maintaining ties with Great Britain and preserving the existing
system of British governance would best serve the interests of the American colonies. He
saw the British Empire as a source of stability, protection, and economic opportunity.

Thomas Jones: Concerns About America's Revolutionary

Actions
In 1776, he wrote the following passage in his journal:
"It is with the utmost regret that I see the people of America rushing into measures
destructive to their peace and happiness and will cause their irreversible downfall. I can
not help but feel deeply concerned and sad when I think about how this once thriving and
joyful country has gone through difficult times because of decisions that, in my opinion,
were too rushed, impulsive, and not carefully thought out. The extent of territory, the
number of its inhabitants, and the abundance of its resources, must ever make America a
part of the British Empire, and of course dependent on the British Crown; nor can any
temporary difficulties whatsoever justify a rebellion against the best of governments, and
a sudden declaration of independence.
My attachment to the King and the interest of Great Britain, together with my duty to my
country and future generations, will always, I hope, influence my conduct to act in
obedience to the laws and under the authority of the King." -Thomas Jones, New York
Supreme Court Justice & Loyalist

14) Why does Thomas Jones feel concerned and regretful about the actions of the people
of America during the American Revolutionary period?
Thomas Jones feels concerned and regretful about the actions of the people of America
during the American Revolutionary period Jones laments the breakdown of social order and
the fracturing of communities that occurred during the revolutionary period.

Jonathan Odell: "The American Times"

In his poem titled "The American Times," published in 1775, he expressed his loyalty
to Britain and criticized the revolutionary cause:
"In loyalty's firm, gen'rous bands I move,
And tread the path that leads to Briton's love;
For her I scorn the knaves and fools who dare,
To plunge their country in the gulph of war,
For her I feel, for her my bosom glows,
Nor fear the malice of her factious foes."

15) What does Jonathan Odell express in the poem regarding his feelings towards Britain
and those who want to bring their country into war?
In the poem, Jonathan Odell expresses his feelings towards Britain and those who want to
bring their country into war. Odell demonstrates a deep appreciation for Britain's
heritage, culture, and values.
Jonathan Boucher's Letter to George Washington in 1774
"It is with the greatest concern, that I find myself thus called upon, by a sense of duty to
my King, to my country, and to myself, to express my serious and solemn objection against
the excessive behavior of your conduct in support of independence... It is with sadness and
worry, that I now see such a behavior becoming common in a part of this province
(territory), as justly to give alarm to all who are friends to the British Constitution."

"I believe Taxation without representation is no tyranny."

16) Why is Boucher expressing concern and objection in his letter to George Washington?
In his letter to George Washington, Boucher expresses concern and objection. Boucher is
concerned that the American Revolution will lead to significant social and political upheaval.

17) According to Boucher's letter to George Washington, what is his opinion on the idea of
"Taxation without representation"?
Boucher aligns himself with the British authority and defends their right to impose taxes
on the American colonies. He argues that the British government has the authority to tax
the colonies, even without their direct representation in the British Parliament.

"Loyalist's Argument: Economic Ties to Great Britain and

the Need for Loyalty"
"I firmly believe that remaining loyal to Great Britain is essential for the prosperity of our
colonies. Our economic ties with Britain have granted us access to valuable trade
opportunities, ensuring a steady flow of goods and wealth. Breaking away from such
established connections could jeopardize our businesses, disrupt the flow of imports and
exports, and result in economic hardships for our people. By remaining under British rule,
we can continue to benefit from their protection of our trade interests, ensuring our
economic stability and growth for generations to come."

18) According to the excerpt, why does the author believe it is important for the colonies
to remain loyal to Great Britain?
The author argues that the economic ties between the colonies and Britain have been
beneficial, providing access to valuable trade opportunities. Remaining loyal to Britain
ensures a steady flow of goods and wealth, which contributes to the prosperity of the
colonies.

Critical Thinking Questions:

19) What were the main differences in beliefs between Patriots and Loyalists during the
American Revolution?
Patriot beliefs:
- Independence: Patriots strongly believed in the idea of independence from British rule.
They advocated for self-governance and the establishment of a new, independent nation.

Loyalist beliefs:
- Loyalty to Britain: Loyalists remained loyal to Great Britain and believed in the
importance of maintaining the colonies' ties to the British Empire. They viewed themselves
as British subjects and rejected the idea of independence.

20) In your view, which group, Patriots or Loyalists, do you think had the strongest
argument during the American Revolution, and why do you find their position more
convincing? Your answer should be at least three sentences. (10 points for this question)
Patriots:
- Strengths of their argument: Patriots advocated for independence, self-governance, and
the protection of natural rights. Their argument resonated with many colonists who
desired greater autonomy and representation in government. The idea of creating a new
nation based on principles of liberty and equality was seen as an opportunity for
self-determination and the pursuit of individual freedoms.

Loyalists:
- Strengths of their argument: Loyalists emphasized loyalty to Britain and the importance
of maintaining stability and order under British rule. They believed that the colonies
already had a form of representation through colonial assemblies and feared that
independence would lead to chaos and economic instability. Loyalists also highlighted the
benefits of remaining part of a global empire that provided economic opportunities and
protection.

So in my opinion I believe that the patriots had the strongest argument.