Extract from a proclamation issued by King George III on the 23 August 1775, Catalogue ref: CO 5/993 f.7
Transcript
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BY THE KING
A PROCLAMATION,
For suppressing Rebellion and Sedition.
WHEREAS many of our Subjects in divers Parts of our Colonies and Plantations in North-America, misled by dangerous and ill-designing Men, and forgetting the Allegiance which they owe to the Power that has protected and sustained them, after various disorderly Acts committed in Disturbance of the publick Peace, to the Obstruction of lawful Commerce, and to the Oppression of our loyal Subjects carrying on the same, have at length proceeded to an open and avowed Rebellion, by arraying themselves in hostile Manner to withstand the Execution of the Law, and traitorously preparing, ordering, and levying War against Us.
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- Explain the difference between rebellion and sedition.
- Why do you think George III issued this proclamation?
- Why was the American Revolution seen as such a threat?
- How did the British state explain that so many American colonists rebelled?
- Discuss how this proclamation may have further provoked the colonists.