Final answer:
The two main sides in the fight for independence were the Patriots, who sought autonomy from Britain, and the Loyalists, who remained loyal to the Crown. Patriots were motivated by self-governance and rights protection, while Loyalists valued stability and economic ties to Britain. The Second Continental Congress played a critical role in governing during the war and establishing a need for central government.
Step-by-step explanation:
Two Main Sides in the Fight for Independence
In the context of colonial society during the American Revolution, there were two main sides of the fight for independence: the Patriots and the Loyalists. The Patriots were colonists who desired independence from Great Britain, motivated by the prospect of self-governance, resistance to taxation without representation, and a yearning for the liberty to make their own laws. They believed that breaking away from British rule was essential for the fulfillment of their political, economic, and social ideals. Conversely, the Loyalists, also known as Tories, were colonists who remained loyal to the British Crown. They were often conservative, afraid of the instability that revolution might bring, or had economic ties with Britain that they feared would be compromised by independence.
Analyzing the background and philosophies of these groups reveals a varied tapestry of motives and aspirations. Patriots, coming from different walks of life, united over the shared desire for autonomy and the protection of their rights, which they felt Britain was infringing upon. Loyalists often included people of conservative outlook or those who benefited from the existing order under British rule, such as certain merchants and officials. The unifying force among these diverse interests was the hope for stability, prosperity, and security — whether that meant maintaining allegiance to Britain or fighting for an independent nation.
The Second Continental Congress was a critical part of this era, serving as the de facto national government during the war. Recognizing the need for central government, leaders of the Congress worked to create a political framework that would help maintain unity and address the political and economic issues from which the colonial desire for independence stemmed.