During the time when the Continental Congress was declaring independence from British rule, colonists awaited what would have seemed unfathomable even a couple of months prior to July 4, 1776. For the vast majority of newly minted "American" colonists, the opening lines or preamble of the Declaration of Independence were of little importance and likely glossed over. What was most important were the specific grievances listed against King George III. If the King and any continued loyalty to England were clearly on trial, this document would be the evidence upon which support for the Revolution would rest.

Please read the full text of the Declaration of Independence (by clicking HERE or within the Appendix of our Textbook) and address both of the following prompts:

1. Imagine you were a colonist seeking to persuade your neighbors to join the cause for American Independence. Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper identifying which specific grievance(s) against King George III would have made you most likely to fight for independence and attempt to persuade others to agree with you.

2. Imagine you were a colonist seeking to persuade your neighbors NOT to join the cause for independence. Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper responding to your previous letter, explaining why the grievances listed do not justify going to war and persuading others to remain loyal to the British Crown.