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Should We Stay or Should We Go?

Now that you have completed your test on early colonial life and society you have a bit of a foundation on what colonial life was like as we were getting close to the Revolution.

For us, today, it seems like a no brainer that the colonists would want their freedom from England. However, at the time, this was a very controversial idea and not accepted by every inhabitant of the colonies. While a many wanted to break away and establish a new colony, there was still a very large segment of the population that did not want to break away.

To start our unit on the revolution I want you to have a better idea of the arguments for and against revolution. Now that you have finished your test you are to begin working on researching both sides of the argument, much like we did with the Columbus Day debate. At the beginning of the next class we will discuss whether or not we should break away.

You will be expected to be able to argue for either side. Below you will see list of resources that will help you research the arguments. These are not, by any means, the only resources but if you use them then you will have everything you need for your debates. What you do not finish in class you will need to finish on your own time.

Resources:

A summary of Thomas Paine’s pamphlet, Common Sense, laying out his arguments against remaining colonies:

History.org; Patrick Henry speaks in favor of independence:

History.org; Virginia Declaration of Rights:

A case against the American Revolution:

Arguments against the independence of these colonies:

A summary of James Chalmers pamphlet, The Plain Truth, arguing against independence:


Arguments FOR Fighting a Revolution: / Arguments AGAINST Fighting a Revolution:

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Should We Stay, or Should We Go

Answer the first 2 questions in 2-3 complete sentences. Write a paragraph to answer Question #3.

  1. What did you think was the strongest, or most persuasive argument for the “YES, we should fight a revolution” side? Why did you find it persuasive?
  1. What did you think was the strongest, or most persuasive argument for the “NO, we should not fight a revolution” side? Why did you find it persuasive?
  1. So what do YOU think? If you had been alive at this time would you have supported Revolution and breaking away, or staying remaining English colonies and avoiding a Revolution? Answer this question in a well-organized paragraph. Be sure to explain your reasoning and acknowledge the other side. Do not use 1st person.