Many people believe that the American Revolution was a united front against the oppressive government of Great Britain. This was not the case. Many colonists felt they deserved the same rights and liberties as British citizens because they believed they were British citizens. Many colonists were reluctant to leave the Britian. This lesson will expand upon this concept of liberty by  having students make their own definition of liberty. Using excerpts from Common Sense by Tomas Paine and Plain Truth by James Chalmers, students will compare and contrast the different perspectives of colonists in their belief what is good and bad for the future of the United States. Students will also discuss whether that meant going to war of not. Finally, students will examine "Remarks Upon a Union with Great Britain and America" by Joseph Galloway, a Loyalist politician. Using the their current understanding of liberty, students will explain Galloway’s own views on independence. By writing a response essay, students will conclude and defend their viewpoint on Galloway’s support of unifying with Great Britain.