1. Introduction In the last chapter, you learned that tensions between Great Britain and the American colonies had grown between 1754 and 1775. In this chapter, you will read about colonists who argued for and against independence [independence: separation from, or freedom from control by, another country or government] , or separation from Great Britain. People for independence no longer wanted Great Britain to rule the colonies. These colonists were called Patriots [Patriot: a person in the American colonies who wanted the colonies to become independent from Great Britain] . Some Patriots argued for their cause in speeches and newspaper articles. Others took stronger actions, such as joining mobs that attacked the homes and businesses of those who disagreed with them. Colonists who remained loyal to Great Britain were called Loyalists[Loyalist: a person in the American colonies who opposed independence and wanted the colonies to remain under the control of the king and Great Britain] . Some Loyalists gave speeches arguing that the colonies should remain under the rule of Great Britain. Other Loyalists took stronger actions, such as armed attacks against Patriots. Many colonists remained neutral [neutral: not taking sides. In the American colonies, many people remained neutral and did not support either side (Loyalist or Patriot) in the fight for independence from Great Britain.] , or did not take sides. They were neither Loyalists nor Patriots. As you read this chapter, use this T-chart to track how six important colonists felt about independence. The Loyalists on the left-hand side of the T-chart argued against independence. The Patriots on the right-hand side of the T-chart argued in favor of becoming a country separate from Great Britain. Why did some colonists want to remain under the rule of Great Britain and its king? Why did others want the colonies to be independent?
4. Jonathan Boucher: Loyalist Religious Leader Reverend Jonathan Boucher was a British religious leader. He used his sermons to spread his Loyalist beliefs. Boucher first came to the colonies as a young man in 1759. Later, he went back to Great Britain. There he became a priest in the Church of England. Then he returned to the colonies. He became a well-known religious leader in Maryland. Many people in the colonies liked Boucher because he was intelligent and full of charm. He was balding and usually wore spectacles, or glasses. Boucher was full of energy and ambition. He was a forceful man who was comfortable talking in of large groups. Boucher was never afraid to speak his mind, no matter how many people disagreed with him. As a minister, he expected everyone to obey his teachings. He used his talents and his occupation to argue for the Loyalists’ cause. Boucher preached that the king’s power came from God. He said that Christians had a special duty to obey British laws. Disobeying the king was like disobeying God. Boucher did not believe that common people were capable of ruling. He argued that the colonists should obey British laws for their own good. He said that these laws came from God and made life safer and better for most colonists. Finally, Boucher warned that working for independence was dangerous. These actions could lead to a war with Great Britain. Such a war would hurt thousands of people far worse than living with a few unfair laws would. Boucher’s Loyalist sermons made some Patriots angry. They threatened to hurt him. Realizing that he was in danger, Boucher began keeping loaded pistols nearby when he gave his sermons. 5. Lord Dunmore: Loyalist Governor of Virginia John Murray was a fierce Loyalist leader. His British title was Lord Dunmore. He came from a royal Scottish family and was elected to the British Parliament at the age of 29. In 1771, King George III appointed Dunmore to serve as royal governor of the colony of Virginia. Dunmore was a proud and wealthy man. He dressed in fancy clothes that showed off his wealth and importance. He was stubborn and sometimes bad-tempered. And he was very loyal to Great Britain.
Word of Henry’s actions spread quickly. Newspapers printed his resolutions. Other colonial governments passed their own, similar statements. Colonists took to the streets to protest the Stamp Act. The spirit of independence was growing. Henry’s Stamp Act speech and resolutions gained attention throughout the colonies. His fame as a leading Patriot grew. was known for his skill as a speaker. He spoke with great feeling and intensity. His speeches had a powerful impact on the emotions of his listeners. One man compared Henry’s words to "the mountain torrent [rushing stream] that swept away everything before it." Henry did not follow the rules of debate that many other leaders of his day did. He used simple terms. He relied on emotion rather than complex ideas to make his points. Some people made fun of his plain style. But he was able to communicate with all kinds of people. This included people with little education. One of his friends noted that Henry "trampled upon rules [of speech] and yet triumphed." Henry gave his most famous speech at St. John’s Church in Richmond, Virginia, in March 1775. By this time, the colonies’ relationship with Great Britain had become very strained. Still, many people did not want to go to war against the king and Great Britain. Henry was ready to fight to win freedom. In a stirring performance, he called on Virginia to get ready for war. His words are among the best known in American history: "Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace—but there is no peace.… I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!" Henry’s speech was convincing. And again, news of his words traveled far from Virginia. Soon colonists everywhere were repeating his call for freedom. It would not be long before his cry for war would be fulfilled in the colony of Massachusetts.