Today we tend to revere the “Founding Fathers” as heroes who liberated the American colonists from English tyranny but by this point in the course you should realize that it wasn’t that simple. Some of the leaders, like John Jay, initially did not support separation. They viewed themselves as Englishmen and tried to work within the system to reach compromises. Other colonial leaders felt that to revolt against their own government was treason. When war finally came they remained Loyalists and fled to either England or Canada. Others readily took up arms against the government.
Based on everything that you have learned this semester, when the break with England came in 1776 would you have been a revolutionary or a loyalist? What factors would have influenced your decision? Give specific examples to support your decision.
Find two other students who have taken the opposing side and discuss the merits of each position
