which side would you choose? (its a chart)

Question

You have been learning about how most colonists had to choose which side of the American Revolution they would join.
A colonist who supported the king was called a Loyalist.
A colonist who supported becoming an independent nation was called a Patriot.

Read each of the scenarios below in Column A.

Then decide whether the person in the scenario would join the Loyalists or the Patriots cause during the American Revolutionary War. Write either Loyalist or Patriot in Column B.

In Column C, explain why you chose your answer in Column B. Use the information and details you learned in the lessons to give specific examples supporting your decision.

A
B
C

Would the person described join the Loyalists or Patriots?
Explain why you believe this would be their choice.
I own a general store in Savannah. I have become wealthy by buying and selling goods brought into the Savannah harbor. I believe the colony should remain a Royal Colony.

I am a farmer in Ebenezer, Georgia. I work hard to provide food for my family. Goods have become very expensive with all the additional taxes King George III has placed on them. It is becoming harder and harder to buy what my family needs.

I live along the southern border of the colony of Georgia. I am concerned that my family will be attacked by the Spanish or American Indians. We live in fear that when we are attacked no one will be here to help us defend our home and land.

I am a dock worker in Savannah. I work hard to load and unload ships in the Savannah Harbor. Yesterday, I lost my job due to the new laws passed by the King which only allowed the colonies to trade with Great Britain. All of the ships from other countries were turned away. I had no work on the dock since so few boats were coming in to load and unload.

Answer 1

Here's how I would fill out the chart based on the scenarios you've provided:

| A | B | C | |-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | I own a general store in Savannah. I have become wealthy by buying and selling goods brought into the Savannah harbor. I believe the colony should remain a Royal Colony. | Loyalist | The general store owner has benefited greatly from the current system and likely sees the British crown as a protector of his wealth and business interests. Loyalists often believed that British rule provided stability and economic opportunity. | | I am a farmer in Ebenezer, Georgia. I work hard to provide food for my family. Goods have become very expensive with all the additional taxes King George III has placed on them. It is becoming harder and harder to buy what my family needs. | Patriot | The farmer is struggling due to the high taxes imposed by King George III, which makes it difficult for him to afford necessary goods. This frustration with economic hardship is a common sentiment among Patriots who sought independence to escape oppressive taxation. | | I live along the southern border of the colony of Georgia. I am concerned that my family will be attacked by the Spanish or American Indians. We live in fear that when we are attacked no one will be here to help us defend our home and land. | Loyalist | This individual may feel that stability under British rule is crucial for protection against foreign threats. Loyalists typically believed that the British military offered better security against potential attacks from other nations or groups. | | I am a dock worker in Savannah. I work hard to load and unload ships in the Savannah Harbor. Yesterday, I lost my job due to the new laws passed by the King which only allowed the colonies to trade with Great Britain. All of the ships from other countries were turned away. | Patriot | The dock worker’s job loss due to restrictive trading laws illustrates the economic impact of British policies on colonial workers. Such experiences fueled resentment toward Britain and contributed to support for the Patriot cause in seeking independence and free trade. |

This analysis takes into account the motivations and concerns of each individual, reflecting the larger sentiments of Loyalists and Patriots during the American Revolutionary War.