Significant Individuals

Thomas Hutchinson

Loyalist Occupation: Governor Action taken: He enforced British laws like the Stamp Act and the Intolerable Acts. Argument against independence: colonies need Britain to protect against

other countries and the king knew what was best for them because he was wiser and more experienced

Jonathan Boucher

Loyalist Occupation: Religious Leader Action taken: He used his sermons to

spread the loyalist beliefs. Argument against independence:Preached that the king’s power came from

God.Christians had a special duty to obey British

laws and they made life safer.

Lord Dunmore

Loyalist Occupation: Governor of Virginia Action taken: launched a naval attack

against Patriot homes along the James River

Argument against independence:

Britain created the colonies and Britain knew what was best for them.

Benjamin Franklin

Patriot Occupation: Writer, printer, inventor,

and scientist Action taken: Helped to get the government to

repeal (cancel) the Stamp Act. Argument for independence:

Britain would continue to make unfair laws, they should no longer trust England, and they could govern themselves

Mercy Otis Warren

Patriot Occupation: Writer Action taken: She wrote plays and poems supporting independence. Argument for independence:Britain’s laws and taxes were unfair.Britain was too far away.Women would have more rights.

Samuel Adams

Patriot Occupation: Politician Action taken: Organized the Sons of Liberty

and led the Boston Tea Party. Argument for independence:

Colonists couldn’t afford high taxes.

Colonists should be able to elect governors.

Colonists should have the power to change unfair laws.