Watch The Big Question: To Join or Not to Join?

Question

After you have watched the video, answer the questions below using detailed, complete sentences (remember, ALL work should be in your own words).
1. Why was Georgia one of the last colonies to join in rebelling against British rule?

Choose 3 different actions by the British government on the colonists and explain why colonists were opposed to them even though they were British subjects.(3 points)

Compare and contrast Patriots and Loyalists. You should identify at least ONE difference (something unique to the Patriots and something unique to the Loyalists) and ONE similarity.

Patriots Similarities Loyalists

Answer 1

1. Georgia was one of the last colonies to join in rebelling against British rule primarily due to its unique social and economic situation. The colony had a relatively small population, consisting largely of loyalists and newer settlers who depended on British support for their survival. Additionally, Georgia's founding principles included a focus on debt relief and a ban on slavery initially, which contrasted with the rebellious sentiments in other colonies that had established slavery more firmly. This led Georgia to be more cautious and hesitant in taking a stand against British authority as they weighed the potential consequences.

2. The colonists opposed several actions taken by the British government, which they viewed as oppressive, even though they were British subjects.

   • The Stamp Act of 1765 required colonists to purchase special stamped paper for legal documents, newspapers, and other publications. Colonists protested this act because they believed it was a form of taxation without representation, undermining their rights as Englishmen to have a say in laws that affected them.

   • The Townshend Acts of 1767 imposed duties on imported goods like glass, paper, and tea. Colonists opposed these acts because they felt their economic freedom was being compromised and that the British government was unjustly imposing taxes on them without their consent, contributing to a growing dissatisfaction towards British rule.

   • The Intolerable Acts, enacted in 1774 in response to the Boston Tea Party, were seen as punitive and excessive by the colonists. These measures curtailed their civil liberties, including closing Boston Harbor and curtailing self-government. Such actions led colonists to believe their rights as British subjects were being violated.

| Patriots | Similarities | Loyalists | |-----------------------------------------|--------------------------------------|---------------------------------------| | Patriots sought independence from British rule and were willing to fight for their freedom. | Both Patriots and Loyalists identified as British subjects, and many originally had a sense of loyalty to the Crown. | Loyalists believed in remaining under British rule and supported the monarchy, often fearing the chaos that revolution might bring. | | | | |

In summary, Patriots were characterized by their quest for independence and readiness to engage in conflict for freedom, while Loyalists favored maintaining ties with Britain and often sought to prevent revolution due to concerns about stability. However, both groups shared a common identity as British subjects at the outset of the conflict.