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Notes -
I'm currently watching the ken Burns documentary about the revolutionary war. The 13 American colonies were a relatively prosperous place, and the absolute value of the taxation they were facing was relatively minimal to what British citizens were paying, and what most Americans would have to pay after the war ended.
In 1773 they could be described as loyal subjects of the crown. They thought the differences and problems they were having with England were reconcilable. Many thought the King would help by supporting their cause in parliament. Three years later they are declaring independence, calling the king a tyrant, and fighting a hot war.
It gives you a sense that things can kick off real fast. And I think people know this in their gut as well. The time to signal your loyalty is not once things have started kicking off, that is way too late. You need to let people know where you are beforehand.
There is a difference between prepping for a bad situation and wishing it to actually happen though. Anyone with two brains cells to rub together should know that a revolution or civil war in the US at this time would be completely awful, so they talk a big game just in case, but no one tries to make it come about.
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