Question 1
Georgia was one of the last colonies to join in rebelling against British rule for several reasons. First, it was a relatively new colony, having been founded in 1733, and its economy was heavily dependent on agriculture, including rice and indigo, which relied on stable trading relations with Britain. Additionally, Georgia's leaders had a more conciliatory approach towards the British government, seeking to maintain peace and economic stability. Many Georgians were also influenced by their settlement as a buffer between wealthy British plantations to the south and Spanish Florida.
Question 2
Three actions by the British government that the colonists opposed are:
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The Stamp Act (1765): This act required colonists to purchase special stamped paper for legal documents, newspapers, and other publications, which imposed a direct tax on the colonies. Colonists opposed this as they believed they should not be taxed without representation in Parliament, leading to the rallying cry of "No taxation without representation."
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The Townshend Acts (1767): These acts imposed duties on imported goods such as tea, glass, and paper. Colonists saw these acts as another example of taxation without representation. They believed that these taxes were designed to raise revenue without their consent and led to widespread boycotts of British goods.
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The Intolerable Acts (1774): In response to the Boston Tea Party, these punitive measures closed Boston Harbor and revoked Massachusetts' charter, effectively punishing the colony. Colonists viewed these acts as a direct attack on their rights and liberties, demonstrating Britain's disregard for colonial governance and self-determination.
Question 3
Patriots:
- Unique Feature: Patriots actively sought independence from British rule and believed in the idea of self-governance.
Loyalists:
- Unique Feature: Loyalists remained loyal to the British Crown and often believed that British rule was beneficial for the colonies, fearing that independence would lead to chaos and disorder.
Similarities: Both Patriots and Loyalists were composed of colonists who held strong beliefs about governance and society; their situations were influenced by a shared concern for the future of their colonies and their political rights, although they differed sharply in their conclusions about how to achieve those ideals.
Question 4
To traditionally lay siege to a town, armies would surround it, cutting off all supply lines and communications in order to weaken the defenders. They would often establish camps to maintain a blockade and might bombard the town with artillery fire to demoralize the inhabitants and force a surrender. The objective was to starve the defenders into submission, making it difficult for them to receive reinforcements or supplies.
Question 5
An army would want control of a town like Savannah for several reasons. Firstly, strategic towns often served as important trade hubs that facilitated the movement of goods and resources, providing economic advantages. Additionally, controlling a major town could provide a tactical advantage in military campaigns, acting as a base for operations. Lastly, towns like Savannah held political significance, as their capture would symbolically represent control over a key region and provide a morale boost to the conquering army's troops.