Notes

In the 1700s, early America was split between those who wanted independence and those who preferred dependence on Britain, the country that migrated to spread itself to other lands for colonization. Threats and violence were used to keep the two opinions highly tense, and a war was in sight for Americans to fight for their earned freedom in their new home. With the tension and the viewpoints considered, I believe the loyalist side would be in favor to join, because lots of the population also embraced loyalty of Britain and fighting would only continue if we did not remain loyal to Britain. While independence is guaranteed if the patriots won this battle, dependence to Britain would be better for our new society.

If one did not agree with the loyalists to Britain, violence of all types would likely occur to get them straight. Due to this, most of the population prefers to remain submit to Britain, and I cannot help but agree with their views. According to McGraw-Hill Networks, "More than 700 people, including Charles Inglis, signed a petition declaring their loyalty to the king and denouncing the rebels" ("Charles Ignis (1734-1816)," 4). Most of our people enjoy the idea of protection granted by Britain, meaning we should continue to run this new country this way.

Another reason why we should remain loyal to our roots is promised conflict that would cost precious lives over something that easily benefited us from the start. If the patriots continued to rebel until the break of war, Britain promised brutal war and loss of our colonies' favor, which is what we do not want (McGraw-Hill Networks, 4). The patriots would be fighting for a society that would easily crumble because of the lack of support from its origin, making the battle that would come meaningless. All in all, the higher end of the population preferred Britain's protection, and they have the correct opinion in order to prevent worthless war.

While all of this glory is promised if we remain devoted to Britain, outsiders and even those on our land like to believe that independence would be best for our newly-born society. A letter by Marquis de Lafayette of France explains his sentiment; the letter states that he is unhappy with a state of dependence in France and that "the moment [he] knew [America] was fighting for freedom, [he] burnt with a desire of bleeding for her" (Letter to Henry Laurens, 1). I understand why especially foreigners would feel this way, but our way of dependence on a parent country is likely drastically different than their dependence on their home countries. Britain guarantees us protection, funds, freedom from slavery, and much more than other countries may not offer to their public. Even to American newcomers, our devotion to Britain should be the obvious choice to side on, despite the patriots' propaganda of freedom from non-existent corruption.

In light of this information, I believe that I agree with the loyalists' opinions more than the patriots'. A majority of us like the faith to Britain, and remaining with this view will prevent the loss of life that would result in an unhappy ending no matter who wins such battles. We may not have complete independence, but it is crucial to understand that our connections to Britain led us to this new land in the first place, and our respect and dignity to them must remain constant in order for a peaceful society to blossom.

References
de Lafayette, Marquis. Letter.
de Lafayette, Marquis. Letter to Henry Laurens, 23 September 1778.
"Charles Inglis (1734-1816)." McGraw-Hill Networks. Accessed 18 May 2021.