Patriots versus loyalists. Patriots, Loyalists and America's First Civil War — Americana Corner 2022-12-18

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During the American Revolutionary War, there were two main groups of people with opposing views on the conflict: the Patriots and the Loyalists. The Patriots, also known as the "rebels" or "revolutionaries," were colonists who supported the idea of independence from Great Britain. They believed that the colonies had the right to govern themselves and were willing to fight for their freedom. On the other hand, the Loyalists were colonists who remained loyal to the British monarchy and opposed independence.

The Patriots were inspired by Enlightenment ideas of individual liberty and the right to self-determination. They believed that the colonies had been mistreated by the British government and had the right to revolt and form their own nation. They were influenced by the writings of philosophers such as John Locke, who argued that people had the right to overthrow a government that failed to protect their natural rights. The Patriots also believed that they had a moral obligation to resist oppression and fight for their rights.

The Loyalists, on the other hand, believed that the colonies owed their allegiance to the British monarchy and that it was their duty to remain loyal to the crown. They argued that the colonies were part of the British Empire and benefited from its protection and trade. Many Loyalists were also concerned about the social and economic instability that independence would bring, as they relied on the stability and security provided by the British government. Some Loyalists also believed that the Patriots were acting against the will of God and that their rebellion was immoral.

The Patriots and Loyalists had different motivations and beliefs, which led to a polarizing and divisive conflict. The Patriots were willing to risk everything to fight for their independence, while the Loyalists were committed to maintaining the status quo and preserving their loyalty to the British monarchy.

The Patriots and Loyalists also had different strategies for achieving their goals. The Patriots used propaganda and appeals to public sentiment to rally support for their cause. They also used military tactics and guerrilla warfare to wear down the British military and gain the upper hand. The Loyalists, on the other hand, relied on the strength of the British military and their own loyalty to the crown to maintain control.

The conflict between the Patriots and Loyalists ultimately led to the American Revolutionary War and the eventual independence of the colonies. The Patriots emerged victorious and the United States of America was founded on the principles of liberty and self-governance. However, the war had a lasting impact on the country, as it created deep divisions and lingering tensions between those who supported independence and those who remained loyal to Great Britain.

Patriots & Loyalists Facts for Kids

patriots versus loyalists

The Loyalists in Revolutionary America, 1760-1781. Like the Patriots, the Loyalists were a diverse group that included farmers, merchants, artisans, and intellectuals. The colonists were untrained, had fewer supplies and no navy. For the same reason, other African-Americans fought on the same side. Inaddition,most colonists owned their own guns and were good shots.

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American Revolution: Patriots and Loyalists

patriots versus loyalists

Next week, we will talk about the American Revolution from the perspective of the Loyalists. I know it's a lot of work. Many colonists wanted to take a stand against what they felt was oppression and tyranny. These groups had different beliefs, motivations, and origins, and their actions and choices played a significant role in shaping the outcome of the Revolution. White Men Choose Sides Pie chart showing Loyalist and Patriot sentiments among white men During the Patriots. That means about 375,000 men fought at some point for our independence.

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Patriots

patriots versus loyalists

Just like political affiliations today, loyalists, patriots, and neutrals came from all social and economic classes, and many people took sides based not on principle but on who they thought was going to win or which side would profit them the most personally. Unfortunately, there was no real middle ground. Lesson Summary At the start of the Revolution, Americans faced an important decision: would they side with the Patriots, or would they remain loyal to Great Britain? Patriot Minuteman Statue What was a patriot? References are included in the story of the black Loyalists. Not everyone who lived in the American colonies wanted to break away from the British. Loyalists believed that independence from Britain would have led to great economic and military losses. So were intellectuals with a strong belief in the Enlightenment.

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Loyalists vs Patriots

patriots versus loyalists

Another famous loyalist was Joseph Galloway who was the Pennsylvania delegate to the Continental Congress but later worked for the British army. Soon cries for "liberty" were being heard throughout the colonies. Some of these people were simply afraid to go up against the might of the British army. Native Americans who chose a side tended to be Loyalists, since the Proclamation Line had demonstrated Britain's willingness to respect their interests. Colonists petitioned King George III to address colonial grievances, but the King did not respond. Now the defenses of that fortress would be tested by a band of determined Americans.

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Difference Between Patriots and Loyalists

patriots versus loyalists

The Loyalist cause would likely be supported by a merchant with a lucrative contract with the crown. I will guide you through every step of this assignment. Historians estimate that about 40-45% of white men were patriots. The Patriots were a diverse group that included farmers, merchants, artisans, and intellectuals. Poor farmers, craftsmen, and small merchants, influenced by the ideas of social equality expressed in works like Common Sense, were more likely to be Patriots.

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Difference Between Patriots and Loyalists

patriots versus loyalists

The United Kingdom has ruled over many other countries by either annexing them or bringing them under its control. A history of the American people. It was known as the Tory capital of America. Comparison Table Parameter of Comparison Patriots Loyalists What does it mean? You will talk with your learning partner the following day about what was learned in the previous lesson before sharing your research with the rest of the class. For the Loyalists, it is estimated that about 25,000 men fought in units supporting the British. The South leaned more towards the Loyalists while the Patriots were stronger in the North.

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Lesson: Patriots vs. Loyalists

patriots versus loyalists

Indeed, such comparison is not entirely accurate given the very different circumstances including political, economic and social balance , but shows how patriots and loyalists were, indeed, part of the same people. Both sides were passionate and both sides had a fair argument. Thus, between Patriots and Loyalists, approximately 400,000 men or about 20% of the entire free population fought for the cause in which they believed, with a significant majority fighting for independence. They were opposed to the British due to the interference it caused in the affairs of the colonists. Like a lot of Americans, William didn't approve of the actions that the British government had taken against its own citizens. How did they view the events of the War of Independence? The line served to protect Native lands and settlement rights and also help keep peace between Natives and the English including colonists.

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Loyalists vs. Patriots

patriots versus loyalists

During the American War of Independence, the Loyalists wanted the British rule to continue. Those men who chose to continue supporting the king, like William Franklin, were called Loyalists, or Tories. Loyalists were in favor of the taxation system of the British Government because they believed that it is necessary for the proper functioning of the central government. British implementation of repeated taxes was viewed as unfair due to taxation without representation. There were people from every social and economic class on both sides and in the middle, but there were demographic trends. Within the thirteen colonies, different ways of thinking began to spread, and two opposing sides soon emerged: patriots and loyalists.


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