Would you have supported the efforts of the Sons of Liberty to unify the colonies and move forward towards independence from Great Britain?

2016-07-03T13:53:42-04:00

As we celebrate the winning of the War of Independence this 4th of July what repeatedly penetrates my consciousness is the complexity of American Colonial history. There is always something new to learn about it. Even so, I once again consider the choices I would have made as a colonial citizen of Great Britain.

As a responsible adult in 1765 who is a colonial British citizen suffering from increased taxation by Great Britain after it had won the French Indian Wars, would i have supported and joined the Sons of Liberty in their Boycott of British goods as a response to the increased taxation, rather than becoming part of the riotous mob of rabble whose response was to engage in criminal violence? By 1770 Would I have supported the politically mature efforts of the Sons of Liberty to unify the colonies and move forward towards Independence from Great Britain, through armed Revolution if necessary? I have to say, yes on both counts.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 3 at 2016 2:00 PM

2016-07-03T14:00:45-04:00

That's a really good question. Knowing what I know now about how our society turned out, I want to say that I wouldn't. However, if you look at major historic events such as the wars we've been through, the rights we've given people, and the progress that we've made in technology; its hard to say if all that would have happened the way it happened if we wouldn't have gained our independence. Now I wasn't around back then obviously but the reason we wanted it in the first place were obviously reason enough to go to war with the greatest military at the time and win, so I think that says enough.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 3 at 2016 2:34 PM

2016-07-03T14:34:35-04:00

hell yes

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Jul 3 at 2016 2:36 PM

2016-07-03T14:36:57-04:00

Good Question, Would I accept the Status Quo, take the conservative stance of living in a country with no Representation in Parliament but also with little oversight just High Taxes on Commoditys coming from Mother England or would I take the Liberal "Liberty" stance and Divorce Myself from the Mother Country and what little it provided me. It tore families apart, look no further than Benjamin Franklin and his Son William Franklin Governor General of New Jersey. I would hope that I aligned with GrGrandpa William Dawes that rode with Paul Revere on that Famous Night.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 3 at 2016 2:38 PM

2016-07-03T14:38:54-04:00

hell yes

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 3 at 2016 3:25 PM

2016-07-03T15:25:14-04:00

I would have had to be alive at the time and experience the situation.

According to history as I was taught yes. According to some teachings I don't know.

I have resigned myself to the fact that there are no facts. Every topic has two sides and each side declares they are 100% right and they other is 100% wrong. Neither statement is correct.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 3 at 2016 8:25 PM

2016-07-03T20:25:30-04:00

Yes. But only because they treated the enemy, civilians, and their soldiers with respect and dignity. Any cause that promotes the liberty of man and delivers on it is fine by me.

Response by SGT Mary G. made Jul 3 at 2016 9:12 PM

2016-07-03T21:12:51-04:00

Just wanted to add a good recitation of our eloquently stated grievances. Imagine hearing it read at the time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4uE-tqe0xsQ

The Declaration of Independence (as read by Max McLean)

IN CONGRESS, JULY 4, 1776 The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America The Declaration of Independence was a statement adopted by the C...

Response by SFC Everett Oliver made Jul 3 at 2016 9:55 PM

2016-07-03T21:55:11-04:00

I would like to believe I would have been there from the beginning through Valley Forge all the way to Cornwallis's surrender.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 4 at 2016 4:21 AM

2016-07-04T04:21:46-04:00

It was a powerful blow against the Status Quo at the time... and helped inspire revolutions around the world that kicked Monarchies to the curb. The French revolution being a prime example. I'd like to believe that I would always fight on the side of Liberty against the Tyranny of the day.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 5 at 2016 1:15 AM

2016-07-05T01:15:57-04:00

Snapshot in time, I don't know who I would have sided with. I've read that 1/3 supported Revolution, 1/3 supported England, and 1/3 didn't really care one way or the other...but I think what would have pushed me over to the Revolution side would have been the use of foreign armies against Englishmen.