The American Revolution in South Carolina, like within the other colonies, began as a desire on the part of the settlers to have more say in their own government. The famous "No taxation without representation" was an important part of the conflict between the Crown and the colonies. Another important disagreement between Great Britian and South Carolina was whether or not the colonial legislators could raise money, in the form of taxes, without the approval of the Crown officials. Other problems included the Crown's refusal to increase the size of the legislature, known as the General Assembly, to allow more representatives from the backcountry.

Backcountrymen had been asking for more representation in the colonial government since the time of the Regulators. Many former Regulators believed that Crown actions hurt the backcountry. They truly believed that the British government was trying to take away their rights as free men.

Not all South Carolinians believed that Great Britian's actions were hurting the colony. Many backcountrymen felt that the problem was in the colonial legislature rather than in Parliament. Since many backcountrymen were small farmers with few if any slaves, they felt no kinship with the large plantation owners. These people felt no need to protect the rich coastal planters from imperial authority.

Newly arrived immigrants were also hesitant to follow the colonial leaders. Since the immigrant's land grants were given to them by the Crown, they feared they would lose the homes they had just received. Also, these immigrants felt even less kinship with the coastal leaders than more established backcountrymen.

What would you do?

Would you join the rebels?

Or would you remain loyal to the Crown?

What did the Singleton's do?