Great Britain Issues The Proclamation of Rebellion
The Proclamation of Rebellion, issued by King George III on August 23, 1775, marked a pivotal moment in the escalating tensions between Great Britain and its American colonies. As discontent grew among colonists, fueled by various grievances and calls for independence, the British monarchy responded to what it perceived as an open rebellion against its authority. The proclamation characterized the actions of the colonists as treasonous, noting that they were misled by “dangerous and ill designing men.” It called upon all loyal subjects of the Crown to assist in suppressing the rebellion and to report any treasonous activities.
This document reflects the British government's stance on maintaining order and loyalty during a time of significant upheaval. The proclamation aimed to rally support among those in Britain and its territories to counteract the growing revolutionary sentiment in North America. It underscored the British view of loyalty and allegiance, as well as the perceived threat posed by rebellious factions. Understanding this proclamation provides insight into the complexities of colonial resistance and the British response, offering a glimpse into the historical dynamics that eventually led to the American Revolution.
Great Britain Issues The Proclamation of Rebellion
Great Britain Issues The Proclamation of Rebellion
On August 23, 1775, faced with the growing rebellion in the American colonies that would soon unfold as the American Revolution, King George III of Great Britain issued the Proclamation of Rebellion. The full text of the document is set forth below:
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 supported 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 open and avowed rebellion, by arraying themselves in a hostile manner, to withstand the execution of the law, and traitorously preparing, ordering and levying war against us:
And whereas, there is reason to apprehend that such rebellion hath been much promoted and encouraged by the traitorous correspondence, counsels and comfort of divers wicked and desperate persons within this realm:
To the end therefore, that none of our subjects may neglect or violate their duty through ignorance thereof, or through any doubt of the protection which the law will afford to their loyalty and zeal, we have thought fit, by and with the advice of our Privy Council, to issue our Royal Proclamation, hereby declaring, that not only all our Officers, civil and military, are obliged to exert their utmost endeavours to suppress such rebellion, and to bring the traitors to justice, but that all our subjects of this Realm, and the dominions thereunto belonging, are bound by law to be aiding and assisting in the suppression of such rebellion, and to disclose and make known all traitorous conspiracies and attempts against us our crown and dignity; and we do accordingly strictly charge and command all our Officers, as well civil as military, and all others our obedient and loyal subjects, to use their utmost endeavours to withstand and suppress such rebellion, and to disclose and make known all treasons and traitorous conspiracies which they shall know to be against us, our crown and dignity; and for that purpose, that they transmit to one of our principal Secretaries of State, or other proper officer, due and full information of all persons who shall be found carrying on correspondence with, or in any manner or degree aiding or abetting the persons now in open arms and rebellion against our Government, within any of our Colonies and Plantations in North America, in order to bring to condign punishment the authors, perpetrators, and abetters of such traitorous designs.
Given at our Court at St. James's the twenty-third day of August, one thousand seven hundred and seventy-five, in the fifteenth year of our reign.
GOD save the KING.