Read the following documents. Fill out the Graphic Organizer
Write a 4-paragraph essay answering the following central question….
Why did some colonists support England while others chose Independence?
**Use text evidence and write an essay with one body paragraph about loyalists and one body paragraph about patriots. The first paragraph should be your introduction and the fourth paragraph should be your concluding paragraph. Be sure to use text evidence from the documents to support your answers.

Document #1: The True Interest of America Impartially Stated, 1776

“Suppose we were to revolt from Great Britain, declare ourselves Independent, and set up a Republic of our own—what would be the consequence? My blood runs chill when I think of the calamities, the complicated evils that must follow. . .

Devastation and ruin must mark the progress of this war along the sea coast of America. So far, Britain has not exerted her power. Her number of troops and ships of war here at present, is very little more than she judged necessary in time of peace. . .But as soon as we declare independence, ruthless war, with all its aggravated horrors, will ravage our once happy land. Our seacoasts and ports will be ruined, and our ships taken. Torrents of blood will be spilled, and thousands reduced to beggary and wretchedness.

By declaring independence, we would instantly lose all assistance from our friends in England. They will stop saying anything in our favour, for they would be seen as rebels, and treated accordingly. The only European power from which we can possibly receive assistance, is France. But France is now at peace with Great Britain; and is it possible that France would interrupt that peace, and risk another war with England, from a disinterested motive of aiding and protecting these Colonies?

Document #2: The Pennsylvania Packet

This howling wilderness has been converted into a flourishing and populous country. But, is this not due to the way in which the colonies have been treated from the beginning? Isn’t our growth a result of Great Britain’s willingness to encourage our industry and protect us from foreign countries? If so, surely some degree of gratitude, such as becomes a free and liberal people, would be appropriate. The peace and security we have already enjoyed under Great Britain’s protection, before the mistaken system of taxation took place, must make us look back with regret to those happy days

whose loss we mourn, and which very rational man must consider as the golden age of America.

Let us then, my friends and countrymen, be patient and avoid all inflammatory publications that are disrespectful to our most gracious Sovereign. Let us look forward to a happy termination of our present disputes, and a cordial reconciliation with our mother country.