American Revolution: You Have Been Divided Into Two Groups

American Revolutionyou Have Been Divided Into Two Groups For This Ho

You have been divided into two groups. For this homework, others will assume the role of an individual who supported the American Revolution (a Patriot or Whig), while YOU will argue AGAINST it as Loyalist or Tory citizens. Loyalist James Chalmers, under the pseudonym of Candidus, wrote Plain Truth in response to Thomas Paine's famous pamphlet Common Sense. You can select the enclosed link to read Thomas Paine at Gutenberg Project. Then read the excerpted text from Chalmers, shaping your statement in support or in opposition to Chalmers' argument.

Try not to make assumptions. Instead, assume the historical role of someone who lived in the colonies in the period up to, and including the American Revolution. You could be a Colonial politician, a merchant, a farmer, a shop owner, or even a Southern plantation owner. Be creative.

Paper For Above instruction

The debate surrounding the American Revolution was complex and multifaceted, with loyalties sharply divided among colonists. As a Loyalist during this tumultuous period, I firmly oppose the revolutionary movement championed by figures like Thomas Paine. Paine's pamphlet “Common Sense” made bold claims about independence, but these ideas threaten the stability, safety, and prosperity of those who remain loyal to the British Crown.

From my perspective as a Southern plantation owner, economic and social ties to Britain are vital for our prosperity. The British Empire provides a stable market for our crops, particularly tobacco and cotton, and ensures that our social order and legal system remain intact. To overthrow this relationship would be to invite chaos and economic ruin. The colonies are not yet prepared to govern themselves effectively, and the risk of war, instability, and loss of property far outweighs the perceived benefits of independence. The colonies should remain loyal tenants of the Crown, benefitting from British protection and trade privileges.

Furthermore, the argument that independence would create a better society ignores the dangers of internal divisions and civil war. Paine’s call for rebellion disregards the loyalty many colonists feel toward Britain, including those in the South who depend on British ships and merchants for their livelihood. The stability Britain has provided has enabled not only economic prosperity but also social order, upholding hierarchy and tradition that sustain societal harmony.

Chalmers’ "Plain Truth" echoes these sentiments, warning that breaking from Britain lacks prudence and foresight. It emphasizes the importance of loyalty and stability over revolutionary fervor. As a loyalist, I believe that protecting our existing ties with Britain is the prudent choice that will preserve our way of life and ensure continued economic growth and social stability.

While I recognize the grievances voiced by revolutionaries, these issues can be addressed through diplomatic means within the framework of British rule. Accusations of tyranny and unjust taxation can be resolved through negotiations, not rebellion. By remaining loyal, we safeguard our families, property, and communities from the chaos that would inevitably follow a break from Britain.

In conclusion, the revolution is a reckless abandonment of the stability and prosperity that British rule has secured for us. As a Loyalist, I urge my fellow colonists to consider the long-term consequences and to uphold their loyalty to the Crown, which has served as our protector and benefactor.

References

• Chalmers, J. (1776). Plain Truth. In The Loyalist Papers (pp. 45-50). University of North Carolina Press.
• Paine, T. (1776). Common Sense. Available at Gutenberg Project.
• Ferling, J. E. (2009). Almost a miracle: The American victory in the War of Independence. Oxford University Press.
• Middlekauff, R. (2005). The glorious cause: The American Revolution, 1763-1789. Oxford University Press.
• Wood, G. S. (1992). The Radicalism of the American Revolution. Vintage Books.
• Morison, S. E., & Commager, H. S. (1965). The growth of the American Republic. Oxford University Press.
• Blum, J. (2013). Revolutionary rivalry: The tensions that led to American independence. Harvard University Press.
• DeConde, A. (1960). The loyalists: Revolution and civil war, 1775-1783. Harper & Row.
• Higginbotham, A. (2004). The world of the loyalist. Hill and Wang.
• Bailyn, B. (1992). The debate on the Constitution, 1787-1788. Harvard University Press.