Read the perspectives below and write a summary about why there were such contrasting beliefs. Should the Colonies Declare Their Independence From Great Britain?

Some Americans did not think that independence was the right path for the colonies. They wanted to remain under British rule. These colonists were called Loyalists. Colonists who believed the colonies should become an independent nation were called Patriots.

In these excerpts, Patriot Thomas Paine and Loyalist Charles Inglis express different points of view about the fight for American independence.

YES

Volumes have been written on the subject of the struggle between England and America . . . and the period of debate is closed. . . .

. . . I challenge the warmest advocate for reconciliation to show a single advantage that this continent can reap by being connected with Great Britain. . . .

But the injuries and disadvantages . . . are without number; and our duty to mankind at large, as well as to ourselves, instruct us to renounce the alliance. . . .

. . . Every thing that is right or reasonable pleads for separation. The blood of the slain, the weeping voice of nature cries, ‘TIS TIME TO PART."

—Thomas Paine, Common Sense, 1776
NO

I think it no difficult matter to point out many advantages which will certainly attend our reconciliation and connection with Great-Britain. . . . The blood of the slain, the weeping voice of nature cries—It is time to be reconciled; it is time to lay aside those animosities which have pushed on Britons to shed the blood of Britons . . .

. . . A Declaration of Independency would infallibly disunite and divide the colonists. . . .

. . . Torrents of blood will be spilt, and thousands reduced to beggary and wretchedness. . . .

America is far from being yet in a desperate situation. I am confident she may obtain honourable and advantageous terms from Great Britain."

—Charles Inglis, The True Interest of America Impartially Stated, 1776