Question 1
Georgia was one of the last colonies to join in rebelling against British rule for several reasons. Firstly, it was a relatively young and economically dependent colony, founded in 1732 as a buffer against Spanish Florida and a place for debtors. Its population was smaller and less established than that of the other colonies. Secondly, Georgia had a strong sense of loyalty to the British Crown because the colony benefited from British protection and trade. Lastly, many Georgians were hopeful for reconciliation rather than rebellion, as they felt they could address their grievances through dialogue with Britain.
Question 2
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The Stamp Act (1765): This act imposed a tax on all printed materials in the colonies. Colonists opposed it because they felt it represented "taxation without representation" since they had no representatives in Parliament to advocate for their interests.
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The Townshend Acts (1767): These laws imposed duties on imported goods such as tea, glass, and paper. Colonists opposed these acts because they saw them as another attempt by the British government to assert control over their economy and infringe upon their rights as British subjects.
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The Quartering Act (1765): This act required colonists to house and supply British troops stationed in the colonies. This was opposed because many colonists viewed it as an invasion of their privacy and an imposition on their personal resources, exacerbating their resentment toward British rule.
Question 3
| Patriots | Similarities | Loyalists | |----------|---------------|-----------| | - Advocated for independence from British rule, often believing that self-governance was essential for personal liberties. | - Both groups were comprised of colonists who were British subjects and held allegiance to the British Crown at one point. | - Supported maintaining British rule and believed that loyalty to the Crown was essential for stability. | | - Engaged in protests such as the Boston Tea Party to oppose British policies. | | - Often sought peace and negotiation over conflict, fearing the chaos of revolution. |
Question 4
Traditionally, armies would lay siege to a town by surrounding it to cut off supplies and reinforcements. They would establish a perimeter around the settlement, employing tactics such as building fortifications and trenches to prevent any escape or support from outside. The besieging forces would bombard the town with artillery to weaken defenses and instill fear among the inhabitants. These tactics aimed to force the surrender of the town without incurring heavy casualties in direct combat.
Question 5
An army would want control of a town like Savannah for several strategic reasons. First, Savannah was a vital port city that facilitated trade and supply routes in the southern colonies. Controlling Savannah would allow the army to cut off or control the flow of goods and reinforcements to the rebel forces. Second, capturing a key city like Savannah would boost morale for the occupying army while demoralizing the local population who supported the rebels, thus consolidating military power and influence in the region.