The Revolutionary period in the British colonies was a turbulent time for many, in part because of the diversity of response to the growing movement for independence; not all colonists were convinced that independence from Britain and the King would solve the problems evidenced at this time. Those who agitated for independence were known as patriots, and those who wanted the colonies to remain loyal to the Crown were known as loyalists. In some cases neighbors turned on one another for their differences, and sometimes even members of the same household.

After reading the excerpts first from Samuel Seabury, a “devoted loyalist,” and the second from Thomas Paine’s influential argument for liberty (a pamphlet that patriots quickly attached to), answer the following questions (excerpts in the attached document – you will want to make sure you understand the vocabulary identified in the Seabury excerpt but it is not necessary to include definitions in your discussion post):

Why does Seabury believe the Continental Congress and local committees are undermining Americans’ liberties?
What does Paine see as the global significance of the American struggle for independence?
How do the two writers differ in their view of the main threats to American freedom?
How might each author have responded to the Virginia Royal Governor, Lord Dunmore, and his decree granting freedom to slaves and indentured servants if they remained loyal to the British king (known as Dunmore’s Proclamation, section 6.1)? <link is hidden>@9.5:hIZaYtH6@7/6-1-Britain-s-Law-and-Order-Strategy-and-Its-Consequences
After you have answered these questions in your post, you will pick a side! You will become either a patriot of a loyalist (tell us who you are in your initial post), and next respond to at least two other students in the class discussion to convince them to join your cause. You should use the evidence in Seabury and Paine’s texts, as well as other incidents or events outlined in the text that would support your position. You can also use the answers that student highlighted and pick them apart – persuade that student that your cause is the more legitimate of the two!

Don’t worry, I’ve picked a side for you (be sure to end your post with an identifying statement):

if your last name begins with the letters A-H, you are a LOYALIST;
if your last name begins with the letters I-Z, you are a PATRIOT.
My Last name start with P.