JCC: The American Revolution
The American Revolution, 1776
JCC: Patriots
In 1776, the call for independence was transformed from scattered resistance into a full-scale revolution. The Continental Congress has declared the colonies free from British rule, but the Patriots now face the immense challenge of turning ideals into reality. Securing military victory requires not only brave rhetoric but also practical governance: raising armies, financing the war amid rampant inflation, and convincing foreign powers to recognize and support the new nation. Internal fractures threaten unity, as urban merchants, rural farmers, enslaved people, and Indigenous nations all have competing visions of liberty and allegiance. Delegates in this committee will embody the Patriot cause at its most fragile and ambitious moment, balancing revolutionary fervor with the dire need for strategy, compromise, and state-building. Beginning in 1776, with the war raging and independence proclaimed, the task before the Patriots was clear but daunting – preserve the revolution, secure legitimacy, and lay the foundations of a new republic.
JCC: Loyalists
As the colonies erupt in open rebellion against British authority, not all Americans rally behind the cry of independence. Thousands remain loyal to the Crown, believing that continued unity with Britain ensures stability, protection, and economic prosperity. Yet, Loyalists find themselves caught in a precarious position – denounced as traitors by their Patriot neighbors, distrusted by British officials who question their commitment, and forced to navigate an increasingly violent civil conflict. From New York to the Carolinas, families are divided, property is seized, and Loyalist leaders face the impossible task of preserving both order and allegiance in a land unraveling at its seams. Delegates in this committee will step into their shoes, confronting the challenges of organizing Loyalist resistance, navigating relations with British commanders, and debating how to respond to Patriot aggression. With the fate of the colonies undecided, this body must determine whether loyalty to the empire can withstand the tide of revolution. The committee will open in the pivotal year of 1776, with Britain and the colonies at war and Loyalists seeking to secure their survival, influence, and vision for America’s future.