Question

Describe the backgrounds and philosophies of Patriots and Loyalists. Why did colonists with such diverse individual interests unite in support of their respective causes? What might different groups of Patriots and Loyalists, depending upon their circumstances, have hoped to achieve by winning the war?

Answer 1

Revolutionary War divivded the people of America into 2 groups: Patriots and Loyalists.

These were people of the 13 British Colonies, who joined hands to gain freesom from the British control. They wanted an independent country, "The United States of America". They were against the taxes imposed them. Some of the patriots included Alexander Hamilton, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, John Jay, and George Washington.

Loyalists were people who wanted to remain under the British control, and live as British citizens.

These people stayed "loyal" to the British because they believed that under the British rule, their life would be better and more productive. Some of the businessmen wished to continue trade with the British, and hence supported them. Around 50000-60000 Loyalists served as soldiers in the British military.

The Loyalists were promised that they would be given freedom and power, post the war. This kept them aligned to take sides and help the British. A total of 12,000 African Americans served with the British from 1775 to 1783, as slaves. However, post the war, the Loyalists lost whatever property they had built in America. Some of them moved to Britain. Many of them were awarded for their loyalty, but it was not close to what they had lost.