Nonetheless, people from all socioeconomic backgrounds could be found on both sides. Create your account. The loyalists did not rise as a body to support the British army, but individuals did join the army or form their own guerrilla units. Patriots, on the other hand, believed in colonial self-rule and/or independence from Great Britain. Of course, many people never took a position. Quakers,Mennonites, and other pacifists (people opposed to all war) were neutrals and had their patriotism questioned as a result. Also wouldn't hurt to add, a Super Bowl champion who has shine in the game's . At least 5,000 black soldiers fought for the Revolutionary cause. A system of mercantilism limited the colonists legal trade options and, therefore, their profits. These individuals were called loyalists. A historian might use the sentiments from the excerpt provided to support the. Why?," WriteWork.com, https://www.writework.com/essay/would-you-rather-loyalist-patriot-why (accessed April 18, 2023). "What would you rather be a Loyalist or a Patriot? After the French and Indian War (1754-1763) in North America, British leaders decided that American colonists should be responsible for paying down the war debts. Loyalists were most numerous in the South, New York, and Pennsylvania, but they did not constitute a majority in any colony. In general, the cities (other than Philadelphia) had more of a British presence, while the countryside was the dominion of the Continental Army. Voltaire was right on target when he said that there are truths that are not for all men, nor for all times. Myles Cooper, "The Patriots of North America," 1775, selections.If you were a Loyalist in America in the 1770s, you tried to explain to yourself and others why your Patriot neighbors were turning the paradise of America into "an endless Hell" by objecting to what was, in your view, the benign, enlightened, and gentle rule of Great Britain. Being a Loyalist means that you are "rooting" for the team that is likely to win. The American Revolution (1765-1791 time period, with official war dates between 1775 and 1783) made colonists choose sides between groups called Loyalists or Patriots. Recruitment to the Continental Army following the lifted ban on black enlistment was equally positive, despite remaining concerns from officers, particularly in the South. _JPQzd9,3F]#,8f^QuMC&JXhn8>9[x->,,rK 2xTf~.haoGj,JbwrJWMj_YWYenu*}|}T-yx,cj%3o@AR+k:}5\-^!V6ey"/_h:)BH? British colonists are British citizens. Stated in the treaty was an allowance for most British soldiers and Loyalists to return home to Great Britain. Patriots would immediately realize their mistake and become Loyalists once again. The same delusions will still prevail, till France and Spain, if not other powers, long jealous of Britains force and fame, will fall upon her, embarrassed with an exhausting civil war, and crush, or at least depress her, then turn their arms on these provinces, which must submit to wear their chains or wade through seas of blood to a dear bought and at best a frequently convulsed and precarious independence., Letter from John Dickinson to Arthur Lee in response to Lexington and Concord, April 29, 1775, Where the money is to come from which will defray this enormous annual expense ofthree millionssterling, and all those other debts, I know not; unless the author ofCommon Sense, or some other ingenious projector, can discover thePhilosophers Stone, by which iron and other base metals may be transmuted into gold. Explain how religious beliefs and social standing influenced some colonists decisions to choose a side in the American Revolution. Historians estimate that about 40-45% of white men were patriots. When the Loyalist cause was defeated, however, many Loyalists fled to Britain, Canada, Nova Scotia, and other parts of the British . Understand what each side represented and what ultimately happened to the Loyalists after the American Revolution. Why did the Thirteen Colonies declare independence? Other names used to describe Loyalists included: Tories, Royalists, King's Friends, and Redcoats (specifically British soldiers). Altogether, the British were estimated to have evacuated nearly 20,000 freedmen (including families) with other Loyalists and their troops at the end of the war. Loyalists remained loyal to England and its leadership. For instance, in May 1775, the Massachusetts Committee of Safety stopped the enlistment of slaves in colonial armies. Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness, https://books.google.com/books/about/Peter_Oliver_s_Origin_Progress_of_the_Am.html?id=08IL5DO_q94C, Explain how British colonial policies regarding North America led to the Revolutionary War, Explain how various factors contributed to the American victory in the Revolution. The primary concerns for many were the Enlightenment ideals of freedom and liberty. A total of 12,000 African Americans served with the British from 1775 to 1783. Bill O'Brien's decision to return as the offensive coordinator for the New England Patriots might have been for more than just his connection with coach Bill Belichick. 4. They chose to support the authority of the king rather than the power of the Parliament. Second Continental Congress | Overview, History & Accomplishments. Colonists who openly proclaimed their loyalty to the Crown were driven from their communities. BRIs Comprehensive US History digital textbook, BRIs primary-source civics and government resource, BRIs character education narrative-based resource. Small merchants, business owners, and certain religious groups were likely to follow the Patriot cause. 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. God Against the Revolution: The Loyalist Clergy's Case Against the American Revolution traces them while taking into account divergent viewpoints on both . WriteWork contributors. Many loyalists were appalled at the violent actions of the rebels. Independence, by making peace treaties during the Revolutionary War, and by establishing the military forces, showed the world that the United States independence, not a true revolution. Some neutrals did not much care who governed them so long as the government largely left them alone; others simply did not want to be on the losing side. George Washington issued an order to recruiters in July 1775, ordering them not to enroll any deserter from the Ministerial army, nor any stroller, negro or vagabond. This order, however, was eventually reneged when manpower shortages forced the Continental Army to diversify their ranks. Historians estimate that between 15 and 20 percent of European-American colonists supported the Crown; some historians estimate that as much as one third of the population was sympathetic to the British, if not vocally. Aside from Crown officials, who did generally side with what they called . Battles of Lexington & Concord Lesson for Kids: Summary & Facts, Why Did the Boston Massacre Happen? They, and other religious pacifists, tried to carry on with life as usual, showing favoritism to none. Although the British had the worlds best equipped and the most disciplined army, they were not as well prepared to fight compared to the Patriots army, which might have been a key factor in the British losing the war. Congress recommended repressive measures against the loyalists, and all states passed severe laws against them, usually forbidding them from holding office, disenfranchising them, and confiscating or heavily taxing their property. 0 Enslaved Africans and African Americans usually chose to support the British cause. endstream endobj startxref The events leading to the American Revolutionary War had been building for some time, prior to any actual fighting. Many were persuaded more by their own personal concerns about their farm goods or the need to feed their families than they were by political ideas. Many African Americans who left with Loyalists for Jamaica or St. Augustine after the war never gained their freedom. After all, as both the British and their colonists shared a similar outlook, it really ought to have been possible to reach an accommodation instead of declaring independence unilaterally. They also were loyal to the monarchy and had been faithful British citizens for their entire lives. Religious converts of the Great Awakening made strong connections between their faith and a developing sense of nationalism. While we revere and love our mother country, her sword is opening our veins. flashcard sets. Discuss the decision people made to be a Loyalist or a Patriot using social, political, and economic reasons. For example, during early 1775 in the South Carolina backcountry, Loyalist recruitment outpaced that of the Patriots. But he believed that the relationship between the king and colonies could and would be restored and that he was in a position of influence to help make that possible. 11b. endstream endobj 275 0 obj <>stream Both driving forces had many golden opportunities to win the American Revolutionary War, but the Loyalists were unable to take advantage of their chances and that is why the war was won by the Americans and not the British. Loyalism was particularly strong in the Province of Quebec. After patriots tore down the statue of King George III in New York City on July 9, 1776, they melted parts of it down and made bullets to use against the British. copyright 2003-2023 Study.com. Then, at the ripe age of 32, William's father helped him get appointed as the royal governor of New Jersey. The choice was complex. No clear deciding factor predicted who would become a Patriot, a Loyalist, or neither, and generations of historians have tried to find a common pattern without success. 6. Many loyalists had family and business ties to England. The main disadvantage most believe is that they were fighting against an idea. ;w@TLq[)l_ui5Z9afV^*_ DuQqYH-L4~i(TeqgV|C@^cjm$!|w-(g.gYUF!qb$'A6Ot`lbPINp Slaves also contributed to the Loyalist cause, swayed by the promise of freedom following the war. Colonists along the Atlantic seaboard agreed that taxes were a necessary part of the economy. The British recruited slaves belonging to Patriot masters and promised freedom to those who served. We contribute to teachers and students by providing valuable resources, tools, and experiences that promote civic engagement through a historical framework. They had family in England and they didn't want to put them in danger. legislative body that "reflected the authority of England"1 and the State. HTMo0Wh,[l'EQI:`CoA^Hv],Q$gArUty\{_/%q}y2whf:,. But a divided household (when a patriot woman's husband was a loyalist) was legal grounds for divorce. Web. More than 20 percent of the enslaved population voted with their feet and ran to British lines in South Carolina and Georgia during the war to claim their freedom. Mac Jones might be real reason Bill O'Brien returned to New England. Discuss the decision people made to be a Loyalist or a Patriot using social, political, and economic reasons. The state of New York made a separate treaty with Iroquois nations and put up for sale 5 million acres of land that had previously been their territories. Although Samuel Seabury might not be a household name, fans of the musical Hamilton should be able to identify him. 1. 135 lessons Some colonists, such as those way out on the frontier, weren't affected by all the politics and just didn't care. After five seasons at East Carolina, Holton . 2. Hundreds of slaves escaped to join Dunmore and the British Army. Prominent early Patriots include Patrick Henry, Samuel Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, John Jay, and George Washington. Other native communities were divided over which side to support in the war and others wanted to remain neutral. - Lesson for Kids, First Continental Congress Lesson for Kids: Summary & Results, Massachusetts Bay Colony: Lesson for Kids, Creating State Constitutions After the American Revolution, American Revolution Battles: Lesson for Kids, People of the American Revolution: Lesson for Kids. For many years leading up to the Revolution, there was great optimism that Parliament would change for the better. The Patriots were mainly fighting in the Revolution for political independence, cultural integrity, and for the protection of their land and property. Which of the following generalizations is true about Loyalists, Patriots, and neutrals? 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