Meaning: The quote, "No one was either Tory or Whig; it was either dependence or independence," attributed to Caesar Rodney, encapsulates the ideological struggle that characterized the American Revolutionary War. The quote reflects the sentiment that during this tumultuous period in American history, individuals were not simply choosing between political parties, but rather between the fundamental concepts of dependence on the British crown or independence as a sovereign nation.

Caesar Rodney was a prominent figure in the American Revolutionary War and a key advocate for independence. Born in Delaware in 1728, Rodney was a lawyer and politician known for his impassioned support of the American cause. He played a crucial role in Delaware's decision to support the Declaration of Independence and was a delegate to the Continental Congress.

The quote attributed to Rodney reflects the dichotomy that permeated the political landscape during the lead-up to the Revolutionary War. The terms "Tory" and "Whig" were used to describe the two main political factions in colonial America. Tories were loyalists who supported the British crown and opposed the push for independence, while Whigs were proponents of independence and self-governance. However, Rodney's quote suggests that the decision to support the cause of independence was not merely a matter of aligning with a particular political faction, but a choice between continued subjugation to British rule or the pursuit of self-determination and sovereignty.

The concept of dependence versus independence was a driving force behind the colonists' desire to break free from British control. The imposition of taxes, trade restrictions, and other oppressive measures by the British government fueled a growing sentiment of discontent and a desire for autonomy among the American colonists. The quote highlights the overarching theme of the struggle for independence as a choice that transcended traditional political divisions.

Rodney's quote also underscores the unifying nature of the quest for independence. Regardless of one's previous political allegiances, the desire for self-governance and freedom from external control served as a rallying point for many colonists. The idea that the pursuit of independence was a unifying force is evident in the diverse coalition of individuals who came together to support the cause of American independence, transcending previous political affiliations and differences.

In conclusion, the quote "No one was either Tory or Whig; it was either dependence or independence" attributed to Caesar Rodney encapsulates the fundamental struggle of the American Revolutionary War. It emphasizes the overarching theme of the quest for independence as a choice that went beyond traditional political divisions and instead represented a fundamental decision between continued dependence on British rule or the pursuit of self-governance and sovereignty. Rodney's quote serves as a reminder of the unifying nature of the fight for independence and the shared goal of breaking free from external control to establish a new nation based on principles of liberty and self-determination.