Liberty Divided Source Worksheet
American Revolution • Primary Source Analysis
Liberty Divided: Patriot vs. Loyalist
Name:
Date: Period:
Historical Setting (1776): As war erupted between Great Britain and the Thirteen Colonies, colonists were sharply divided. Patriots demanded complete independence from King George III. Loyalists (also called Tories) argued that remaining loyal to the British Crown was the only way to preserve peace, safety, and trade.
Lexicon Bank: Tyranny: Cruel or unfair rule • Petition: A formal written request • Crown: British monarchy / King • Prosperity: Wealth and success
Source A • Patriot Voice
Pro-Independence
Speaker: Thomas Paine, from Common Sense (January 1776)
"People say that Great Britain is our mother country. If that is true, her actions are even worse! Even wild animals do not attack their own young.
Having our own free government is our natural human right. It is foolish for a huge continent like America to be ruled forever by a small island thousands of miles across the sea. Waiting four or five months just to receive answers to our petitions is absurd. The time has come to separate!"
Plain English Summary:
A good mother does not harm her children. America is too large and too far away to be ruled by a small, distant island. Independence is natural and necessary.
Source B • Loyalist Voice
Pro-Crown
Speaker: Rev. Charles Inglis, from The True Interest of America (1776)
"By staying united with Great Britain, we enjoy peace, protection, and the most profitable trade in the world. Britain is the most powerful nation on Earth. Her mighty navy guards our ships, and her laws protect our property.
If we declare independence, what will follow? Ruin, bloodshed, and endless war. We will tear our country apart and drown in debt. Our true safety is not rebellion, but peace with our mother country under the British Crown."
Plain English Summary:
Britain protects American trade and safety with its military. Breaking away will only cause bloody war, financial ruin, and disorder.
Part 1: Vocabulary & First Impressions
1. Underline or identify one word or phrase from Thomas Paine (Source A) that shows strong emotion or anger toward Britain:
2. What two specific benefits does Charles Inglis (Source B) claim Britain gives to the American colonists?
Benefit 1:
Benefit 2:
Part 2: Head-to-Head Source Comparison
Voices of 1776 • Page 2
Complete the chart below using short phrases or evidence from both sources to contrast their viewpoints.
Issue / Topic
Patriot View (Source A)
Loyalist View (Source B)
Relationship with Britain
Geography & Distance
What will happen if we separate?
Part 3: Critical Thinking & Perspective
1. Author's Purpose: Why does Thomas Paine use the metaphor of animals and their young? How does this make King George look bad?
2. Fears & Motives: What fears did wealthy merchants or loyal subjects have about declaring independence, according to Inglis?
Part 4: Historical Decision • The Colonist's Choice
Evidence-Based Response
Prompt: Put yourself in the shoes of a colonist living in 1776. Which speaker—Paine (Patriot) or Inglis (Loyalist)—presents the more convincing argument? State your position clearly and use at least two pieces of evidence from the text to justify your choice.
