Patriots in American Revolution: Fight for Independence — Reading Comprehension

The Patriots were colonists in North America who chose to fight against British rule during the American Revolution. In the 1760s and 1770s, tensions between Britain and its thirteen colonies increased as Britain imposed new taxes such as the Stamp Act and the Townshend Acts. Many colonists believed these laws violated their rights because they had no voice in British Parliament. This argument was summed up in the protest slogan, "No taxation without representation."

Patriots were not a single group. Instead, they included merchants, farmers, lawyers, and others who disagreed with British policies. Some Patriots wanted complete independence, while others simply wanted fairer treatment. Their main goal, however, was to resist what they saw as unfair legislation and to protect their liberty. Patriotic leaders like Samuel Adams and Thomas Paine used newspapers and pamphlets to persuade others to join the cause. In his pamphlet Common Sense, Paine wrote, "The cause of America is in a great measure the cause of all mankind," urging colonists to see their struggle as part of a broader fight for freedom.

However, not everyone in the colonies supported the Patriots. Loyalists believed it was better to remain loyal to Britain. They feared that rebellion would bring chaos and destroy their way of life. Some Native American groups and enslaved people also had different perspectives. Many Native Americans worried that an independent America would take more of their land, while some enslaved people hoped that British rule might offer a path to freedom, since the British sometimes promised emancipation to those who joined their side.

As the conflict grew, events such as the Boston Tea Party in 1773 and the battles at Lexington and Concord in 1775 pushed more colonists to choose sides. The Continental Congress was formed to organize resistance and eventually declared independence from Britain in 1776. This was a daring decision, as the Patriots were up against one of the world’s most powerful armies. In the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson wrote, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.” This statement became a symbol of the Patriots’ ideals, but in reality, not everyone was treated equally.

The struggle for independence was long and difficult. Patriots faced shortages of supplies, internal disagreements, and the constant threat of defeat. George Washington, the commander of the Continental Army, had to unite soldiers from different colonies and backgrounds. Some Patriots sacrificed their property, their families’ safety, and even their lives for the cause. Despite these hardships, the Patriots ultimately succeeded, and the United States was born.

After the war, the new nation still faced many challenges. Questions about who should have rights, who could vote, and how to balance state and federal power remained unresolved. The Patriots' victory inspired other revolutions around the world, but it also left some groups—such as women, Native Americans, and enslaved people—still fighting for their own liberty. The American Revolution showed that the struggle for freedom is complicated, and that real change often comes with conflict and compromise.

Interesting Fact: Many Patriots signed the Declaration of Independence knowing they could be executed for treason if the revolution failed.

What did the Patriots want?

Who was a leader of the Patriots?

When did the Continental Congress declare independence?

Why did some colonists support Britain?

How did Patriots spread their ideas?

What was a major challenge for Patriots?

The Patriots signed the Declaration of Independence.

What does 'legislation' mean?