Sons of Liberty: An Interactive Activity

You cannot see why all this can't be settled peacefully. When the British see how angry the colonists are, they will surely repeal the taxes. "I will not stand against England," you declare. "She is our mother country. I am no traitor." "Feh!" cries Shea. "You stand against your friends and neighbors, and all they hold dear!" You must sell your half of the business, as Shea will no longer work with you. You start a new business, but you have lost many customers. You also are quickly losing friends. It seems that everyone is taking sides: Either you're for the Sons of Liberty, or you're for England, and a traitor to the patriots' cause. It's impossible to remain friends if you're not on the same side.

	THOMAS BARTON ANGLICAN PASTOR AND BRITISH LOYALIST

You meet an old friend, Josiah Bolling, for dinner. He also wants to remain loyal to England.

"I want no part of this rebel chaos," Bolling says. "They are nothing but vandals and petty criminals. Our troubles with England will soon pass, and they will be disgraced."

"I am sure you are right," you tell your friend. Beneficial times will return to the colonies."

"To King George!" Bolling says, and raises his glass.

"To the King!" you counter, and your goblets clink. A second later, your window glass shatters. Someone has thrown a rock through your window!

"The Sons of Liberty!" Bolling says. "Those fools. They know our loyalties, my friend." You walk to the window.

"Low criminals!" you yell. A mob has formed on your lawn. "Get off my property!"

"Go back to England, you filthy Tory!" It's Douglas Shea, your old business partner. "We'll burn your house down if you don't leave!"

You are now frightened. The angry mob includes many former friends, many formerly friendly neighbors. Perhaps you should go to England until this blows over.