_Editor's Note: In 1775, America was made up of 13 colonies, governed by the king of England. Many Americans thought the British government was unfair and wanted to break away from it. These people were known as patriots. Others wanted to keep ties with Britain and remain British citizens. These people were known as loyalists._
_Patriots wanted to gain independence from Britain and form their own country. They objected to taxation by the British government. This was because they had no voice in Britain's Parliament. The patriots felt the British government had taken away their rights._
_The loyalists, however, defended British taxation and rule. They did not believe the colonies were strong enough to stand on their own._
_Below are the viewpoints of two Americans, New Jersey Governor William Franklin and his father, Benjamin Franklin. William Franklin was a strong loyalist. Benjamin Franklin was a strong patriot._
A Loyalist's View
There are two roads that America may take, gentlemen. One will lead to peace, happiness and tranquility. The other will lead to chaos and sadness and all the horrors of war.
Your wisdom will be known once you show which road you prefer. So will your regard for the true interests of the people. If you choose the first road, you will satisfy those people who are careful and reasonable. If you choose the second, you will satisfy only the reckless and unwise.
"The Consequences May Destroy You"
Consider what will happen if you give in to the impulses of that second group of people. Should any disaster happen to them, the consequences may destroy you, too. You ought to follow the principles of your own judgment.
_Governor William Franklin, in an address to lawmakers, 1775_
A Patriot's View
I have lived a great part of my life in Britain and have made many friends here. I love the country and wish it success. I wish to see that union that will allow it to remain strong. As to America, however, the advantages of such a union with Britain are not so clear. She may suffer under the power of Britain. Or, she may suffer for a while in a separation from it. But both of these are temporary evils that she will outgrow.
Scotland and Ireland are in a different situation. They are small islands surrounded by the sea. They do not have the space to grow stronger than England. But America is a huge territory. She is favored by nature with all the advantages of climate, soil and great rivers and lakes. America must become a great country, large and mighty. She will shake off any chains that are placed on her.
How does this paragraph support the MAIN idea of Benjamin Franklin's letter?
A
It explains that many Americans still want to make up with Britain.
B
It explains that it is Britain's fault that Americans have decided to rebel.
C
It describes the wisdom that Britain has used when making laws.
D
It describes the friendships that Franklin had when he was in Britain.
"The Seeds Of Liberty Have Been Planted"
In the meantime, every unfair British action will make the Americans angrier. It will only speed along their revolt. The seeds of liberty have been planted, and nothing can destroy them.
Still, there remains among the people much respect for Britain. If the British respected their rights, they could govern the Americans for ages to come. But I do not see in Britain's government the wisdom necessary to behave that way. I am disappointed by the lack of that wisdom.