Statement: "Before 1779 the reason's for an individual's support for or opposition to independence were primarily economic."
Though there was quite a lot of talk about how this major decision of support against or for the British was solely economic, we also must think about the other factors when it came to making this choice. You can take Charles Inglis as a fair example. Charles Inglis, a colonist none the less, thought heavily and thoroughly upon this matter in his article "Charles Inglis The True Intrest of America Impartially Stated in 1776" and had came to the conclusion that it would be an unwise option to separate from Britain.
In his article he describes the pros and cons of reconciling with Britain and all of his counterargument were all based on one key foundation - peace. He describes peace to be "...like health; we do not sufficiently know its value but by it's absence," (Charles Inglis). He says that if we stay with the British, our agriculture, commerce, and industry would continue on at a regular pace, but not only that, we'll also have the largest naval power in the world. The cheap imported good galore, what's not to love? He also rightfully said nearing the ending that even if we have the French military by our side, the French have already made peace with the British - who are we to say if they are going to help us or not?
Sources
Picture -
We the People. Digital image. Voice the Planet. Stuart L. Hart., n.d. Web. 09 Feb. 2015.
Information -
Inglis, Charles. "Charles Iglis The True Interest of America Impartiality Stated in 1776." (1776): 1-4. Web. 10 Feb. 2015.
We the People. Digital image. Voice the Planet. Stuart L. Hart., n.d. Web. 09 Feb. 2015.
Information -
Inglis, Charles. "Charles Iglis The True Interest of America Impartiality Stated in 1776." (1776): 1-4. Web. 10 Feb. 2015.
