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Tory Act of 1776
Great Seal of the United States
Long title The Tory Act : published by order of the Continental Congress, Philadelphia, Jan. 2, 1776.
Effective January 2, 1776
Legislative history

The Tory Act of 1776 was a set of seven important decisions. These decisions were made by the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They were passed on January 2, 1776. These rules showed how the American Patriots felt about certain groups of people in the colonies. These groups were known as Tories or Royalists, and they supported the British.

Who Were the Tories?

Before and during the American Revolution, many people in the colonies were called Tories. These individuals greatly admired the British King, the British Parliament, and were very loyal to Great Britain's King George III. They believed the colonies should remain part of the British Empire.

Key Decisions of the Tory Act

The Second Continental Congress passed several resolutions. These resolutions aimed to guide how people should act during the American Revolution. They focused on how to deal with those who supported Great Britain.

January 2, 1776: A Call for Unity and Understanding

On this date, the Congress made several important points. They recognized that some people were confused about the American cause.

  • Treating Unsure People Kindly: The Congress suggested treating people who were not fully informed with kindness. They believed these individuals were good people who just needed more information. It was important to explain why the Americans were fighting for freedom. They wanted everyone to understand the reasons behind the conflict.
  • Sharing Information: The Congress also recommended sharing important documents. These included reports from past Congress meetings. They wanted people to read about the American cause. The goal was to show that the fight for liberty was fair and necessary.
  • Dealing with Opponents: The resolutions also talked about those who actively worked against American liberty. These people were seen as siding with the "oppressors." The Congress wanted the colonies to help each other. They encouraged strong unity among the colonies. This was to protect their shared freedom.
  • Responding to Harsh Actions: The Congress noted that the British had acted very harshly. They had burned towns and treated people badly. However, the Congress urged Americans to remain humane. They wanted to avoid cruelty. They promised that if strong actions were needed for safety, the Congress would handle it.
WALNUTSTREETPRISON HISTORICALMARKER 20141014
Pennsylvania historical marker showing the location of Philadelphia's Walnut Street Prison, where some colonial Tories were held.

March 14, 1776: Disarming Opponents

Later, on March 14, 1776, the Congress made another decision. They recommended that colonies disarm people who were openly against the American cause. This meant taking away their weapons. These weapons would then be used to arm the American troops. This helped ensure that those who supported the British could not use their weapons against the Patriots.

June 18, 1776: Protecting Accused Individuals

On June 18, 1776, the Congress passed a resolution to protect people. It stated that no one accused of being a Tory should be harmed. Their property should also be safe. This was unless there was a proper order from the Congress or a local committee. This rule helped prevent unfair attacks on people. It ensured that accusations were handled through proper legal steps. However, it did not protect someone caught in the act of harming American liberty.

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