The Long Road to Revolution

     During the American Revolution, residents of the colonies were deeply divided between Patriots and Loyalists.  About one-quarter of Americans were Loyalists or Tories, supporters of England.  New York City was Loyalist from late 1776 until the end of the war.  Newport, Rhode Island; Philadelphia; the western Carolinas; and Georgia had especially significant Loyalist sentiment as well.

     Delaware was also deeply divided between Patriots and Loyalists.  Nevertheless, one Delaware patriot—Caesar Rodney, afflicted with cancer, asthma, and gout—became famous for his urgent ride from Dover, Delaware, to Philadelphia, during a treacherous storm, to cast his vote for independence.  By aligning with the independence cause, he gave up his chance to go to England to seek cancer treatment.  Rodney died in 1784, living just long enough to see America win its independence.

     Originally, the American colonists were very dependent on their mother country. Moreover, they were proud to be British. The historic events that shaped 1776 started years earlier. To read that story go to:

https://store.bookbaby.com/book/the-long-road-to-revolution

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