Imagine you’re a shopkeeper in Virginia in 1776. You’re proud of the contributions that your family has made in settling this British colony. But you and many of your friends are outraged about what you believe to be unfair taxes and the lack of a voice in the policies the British Parliament creates for the colonies. You’re asked to sign a document addressed to King George III stating that Virginia and the 12 other American colonies are now independent of Britain. You’re proud to sign this document, but you know that conflict will likely result. If the colonists win, a new nation will be born. But if Britain wins, you’ll be considered a traitor. What would you do? Why? Open the Notebook tool () and write down your thoughts.