False. While there was growing sentiment for independence among colonists in the early 1770s, it was not the case that a majority (over 50%) supported declaring independence from Britain at that time. An estimate suggests that about one-third of the colonists were Patriots supporting independence, one-third were Loyalists supporting Britain, and one-third were neutral or indifferent. It wasn't until the Continental Congress and events like the publication of Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" in 1776 that support for independence gained significant traction.
True or False: The majority (over 50%) of colonists supported declaring independence from Britain in the early 1770s.
true
false
1 answer