Did you know that the Continental Congress passed strict gun control back in 1776!
Tory Act of 1776 - Wikipedia
The Tory Act of March 14, 1776: Strict Gun Control
Discussion in 'History Forum' started by Salty, Jan 1, 2023.
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RighteousnessTemperance& Well-Known Member
Yeah, sounds like they decided within a few months that they'd gone a bit too liberal in their approach. Here's an excerpt from a simple summary of the general context.
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Life, Liberty and Property
As the war progressed, revolutionary colonists lashed out against loyalists, who they saw as traitors in their midst. The patriots were supported by rebel colonial governments that passed laws prohibiting Tories from practicing their trades, voting, holding political office, or owning property. Anglican churches also were prohibited from holding services. In many colonies such as North Carolina, residents were made to sign pledges of loyalty to American independence and serve in revolutionary militias. Those who didn't were ostracized from society and frequently confined to their homes. In March 1776, the Continental Congress passed a resolution affirming patriots could disarm loyalists and use their weapons for the revolution.
Mob Rule
Colonial governments did little to curb mob violence against loyalists who refused to sign oaths of allegiance to the patriot cause. Loyalists were publicly dunked in lakes, hung from poles, or tarred and feathered by angry mobs. The expression "lynching" got its name from Colonel Charles Lynch, a patriot from Virginia, who made a habit of hanging any loyalists he captured. Given the threat of intimidation and violence from passionate patriot crowds, many loyalists simply signed the oath rather than endure public humiliation, torture or death.
Restoration of Rights
About three months after the practice had been officially sanctioned, the Continental Congress passed another resolution forbidding patriots from damaging or confiscating peoples' property simply because they were loyalist. Tories were to be tried by jury.
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What Happened to the Tories and Loyalists During the American Revolution?