The Shot Heard Around the World (Countryhumans American Revolution)

Independence: It's Common Sense

January 11, 1776

United Colonies had gotten his hands on the pamphlet soon after it was published. It was already making quite a stir in Philadelphia, and United Colonies could imagine it spreading quickly to the other colonies.

After all, a pamphlet arguing for total independence from his father was bound to attract the attention of his people.

It had caught his attention and, therefore, the attention of his colonies.

"I mean, the idea that the monarchy itself is rooted in sin is a mad idea," Virginia declared.

"I don't know. You know all those kings take mistresses and such. Isn't that a sin? It's not too far of a stretch, I don't think," New York said, sounding contemplative.

"You could argue that the point originated with his current problems against King George III. After all, many of the points he makes there are issues he had with our current king," Georgia pointed out.

"I know that you will argue circles around each other with this new pamphlet, but do you think you're arguing about the wrong things? Who cares if the monarchy is sinful or not? He argues for independence." United Colonies cut it, running his finger along the pages that made that very argument.

"No. The author argues that our independence is an assured thing. That no matter what we do, it will happen someday, and that perhaps it would be easier just to get it done with now and make our little rebellion about rights about something more," Massachusetts said.

"But...why can't we just wait? If...if independence is inevitable, then let's just wait for Grandfather to give it to us. Should we...can we really fight him for it?" South Carolina questioned.

"I don't know. Father is powerful, and we are but a colony. None of the minutemen have formal training. Very few men in the army do. Even if we turned this rebellion into war, even if it is inevitable that I will find myself playing the role of a country, I don't..." United Colonies trailed off, shaking his head.

"Foreign allies are a thing. Like it or not, the author is right when he says these problems are doomed to repeat themselves, especially since Grandfather does not want to listen. Even when he repealed the taxes before, he always put new ones down. He always found a way to make that tiny little victory a defeat," New Hampshire argued.

"With that act saying he could do whatever to use because we're his colony...he won't back down or stop violating our rights. The author argues that the system is corrupt and unjust, and I believe it. We can't just twiddle our thumbs and wait for Grandfather to choose to listen. He believes he's entitled to do whatever he wants. He thinks he's entitled to ignore our voices and impose whatever he wants on us. I can'...Father, I don't want to sit by and take it. I know that has worked before, but this isn't about us being punished. It's about our people being punished for wanting rights. Can we really claim that Grandfather truly cares when he does these things?" Massachusetts explained, his voice gentle and concerned. It wasn't angry. It wasn't an impassioned speech.'

It was Massachusetts explaining the reality of their present relationship with Britain. If it was more impassioned, maybe United Colonies could have ignored it, brushed it off as things said angrily in the heat of the moment.

But he couldn't. Massachusetts was right. The author of this pamphlet was right. Father was not going to change for United Colonies. He wanted United Colonies to change for him, change to fit his whims.

"Well, even if he is right about that, how in God's name are we meant to fight off the British Empire?" South Carolina questioned.

"Massachusetts said foreign allies. He's right about that. France hates my father, and she's probably still bitter about losing Quebec and the others to Father. She might be willing to help," United Colonies pointed out. While France was not a trustworthy person, her help would be invaluable.