On July 1-5, I want to revisit the early days of America’s road to independence. I often wonder what I would have done. In 1772 when Hold Me Close (my first book of Revolutionary Faith) commences, the colonists had already faced quite a few setbacks. The Stamp Act appeared in 1765 and quickly joined other grievances in the 13 colonies.
The lines are being drawn in the cities, towns, families, and churches. Organizations spring up to educate and antagonize the situation. Although the urgency in not quite at a boiling point, individuals start asking questions.
Who do I support? The British and parliament or the colonies and local representation? What goods do I purchase? British, local, or other? Do I talk about it? Do I attend meetings? With whom do I discuss my feelings and thoughts?
This is what Elizabeth tells her father one evening: “Your opinions about this colony, this town, our people are wrong, Father. They will not—I will not—let the Empire continue to rule this world with no consideration for the welfare of its subjects. I’m sorry, Father, but I strongly believe in some measure of independence from the control of England.”
Wow, could I have done that?
This Independence Day think about what the early citizens had to determine at an individual level.
Would you have been vocal about your beliefs?
I don’t know…hard to tell.
Thank you for sharing the pictures!
This is an intriguing question. I think I would have been anxious about being vocal about my opinion. As we see throughout your series, the colonists have to choose a side knowing that only one side will win and also knowing that their choice could sever relationships. Wow! What a task!