Loyalists

Definition

Loyalists were American colonists who remained loyal to the British Crown during the American Revolutionary War. They opposed the American Revolution and sought to keep the Thirteen Colonies as part of the British Empire.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Loyalists were a significant portion of the colonial population, estimated to be around 15-20% of the total population.
2. Many Loyalists were wealthy merchants, landowners, or government officials who benefited from their connections to the British Crown.
3. Loyalists faced persecution, confiscation of property, and even exile from their communities due to their political beliefs.
4. Loyalists played a crucial role in the War in the South, providing support and resources to the British forces fighting against the American Patriots.
5. The presence of Loyalists in the colonies contributed to the divisions and tensions within American society during the Revolutionary War era.

Review Questions

• Explain the role of Loyalists in the early years of the American Revolution (6.2 The Early Years of the Revolution)
  • In the early years of the American Revolution, Loyalists remained steadfast in their support for the British Crown. They actively opposed the Patriots' push for independence and sought to maintain the colonies' connection to the British Empire. Loyalists provided intelligence, resources, and manpower to the British forces, helping to counter the Patriot uprising in the early stages of the conflict. Their presence contributed to the divisions and tensions within colonial society, as Loyalists faced persecution and even exile from their communities due to their political beliefs.
• Describe the significance of Loyalists in the War in the South (6.3 War in the South)
  • During the War in the South, Loyalists played a crucial role in supporting the British forces against the American Patriots. Loyalists provided valuable intelligence, supplies, and manpower to the British, helping to prolong the conflict in the southern colonies. The presence of Loyalists in the region complicated the war effort for the Patriots, as they had to contend with both the British regular army and the Loyalist militia. The War in the South saw intense fighting between Patriot and Loyalist forces, further exacerbating the divisions within American society during the Revolutionary War.
• Analyze the impact of Loyalists on the identity and social dynamics of the American Revolution (6.4 Identity during the American Revolution)
  • The presence of Loyalists in the American colonies had a significant impact on the identity and social dynamics during the Revolutionary War era. The divisions between Patriot and Loyalist factions contributed to the complex and often-conflicting notions of American identity that emerged during this period. Loyalists, who remained loyal to the British Crown, were viewed by Patriots as traitors to the cause of independence, leading to persecution, confiscation of property, and even exile. This social and political tension within colonial society shaped the evolving sense of American identity, as the Patriots sought to forge a new national identity distinct from their British roots. The experiences of Loyalists, who faced marginalization and upheaval, also played a role in shaping the broader social and cultural landscape of the American Revolution.

Related terms

American Patriots: American colonists who supported the American Revolution and sought independence from Great Britain.

Tories:

Another term used to describe Loyalists, referring to their political allegiance to the Tory party in Great Britain.

Neutralists: American colonists who chose not to take sides in the American Revolution, remaining neutral during the conflict.