You have been learning about how most colonists had to choose which side of the American Revolution they would join.

Question

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 a breakdown of the scenarios with the appropriate labels and explanations:

| 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 | This person would be more inclined to support the Loyalist cause because they benefit financially from the existing trade system and royal governance. The stability provided by the monarchy allows their business to thrive, and they are likely to resist changes that threaten their wealth and livelihood. | | 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 | This farmer would likely align with the Patriot cause because high taxes imposed by the British crown on goods make it difficult for them to provide for their family. The discontent arising from taxation without representation would motivate them to seek independence and support the Patriot movement in pursuit of fair treatment. | | 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 might choose to remain a Loyalist because of their belief in the stability and protection that British rule could provide. They may feel that aligning with the monarchy would ensure military support against external threats, and they might mistrust the disorganized Patriot forces to protect their family in times of conflict. | | 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 | This dock worker would likely support the Patriot cause because the restrictions imposed by the King have directly impacted their employment and livelihood. The loss of jobs due to limited trading opportunities would motivate this individual to oppose British rule and advocate for independence to regain economic stability and opportunities for work. |

This table summarizes the potential loyalties of each character based on their occupations, personal situations, and motivations during the American Revolutionary War.