King George Declares Colonies in Rebellion
King George III stood before Parliament on October 26, 1775, and declared the American colonies in a state of open rebellion. The speech authorized the use of military force and ordered the Royal Navy to blockade colonial ports. It also denounced the colonists as 'misled by dangerous and ill-designing men' who sought independence rather than the redress of legitimate grievances. The declaration killed any remaining hope of reconciliation. Many colonists who had considered themselves loyal British subjects seeking reform were forced to choose sides. Thomas Paine's Common Sense, published three months later, made the case for complete independence, citing the king's speech as proof that negotiation was impossible. Congress declared independence the following July.
October 26, 1775
251 years ago
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