Loyalists vs. PatriotsLoyalists vs. Patriots

Essential Questions:1.Who were Loyalists and who were Patriots?2.What did Loyalists and Patriots believe?

LoyalistsLoyalists Loyalists were American

colonists who remained loyal to the Great Britain

They were often referred to as Tories, Royalists, or King's Men by the Patriots

Historians estimate that 15% and 20% of the white population were Loyalists

Many Loyalists fled the country at the start of the revolution

Who were loyalists?Who were loyalists? They were older

Many were merchants and wealthy

Many active in the Church of England were Loyalists

Most of the Pennsylvania Dutch were loyalists◦ They feared their royal land

grants would be in danger with a republican form of government

About100,000 loyalists left the country after the revolution

PatriotsPatriots Patriots came from many

different backgrounds

Most were highly educated and wealthy

Support of ordinary men and women (farmers, mechanics, homemakers, and shopkeepers) aided the Patriot cause

These middle and lower classes didn’t like their economic situation◦ Largely due to British

taxation

Views of the PatriotsViews of the PatriotsBelieved British taxes

were not "legal“

The colonists were not directly represented in Parliament

The British believed in "virtual representation,“◦ All members of

Parliament represent the interests of all the citizens of the British empire

The ArgumentsThe Arguments

Loya

lists

Patriots

1. A strong unified British Empire is good for all2. Colonists are British

subjects and should obey British law

3. Taxes are due to French & Indian War which was fought to protect colonies

4. American colonies would be weak without Britain

5. Colonies profit from trade with England

6. Colonies are too far away from England to have representation in Parliament,

its just not practical

1. People have rights government can’t take away, like property2. Taxation takes away property (i.e. – money and goods)

3. Colonists don’t have voice in Parliament, so they can’t tax colonies (No taxation without representation)4. There’s no way colonies could ever be represented – Parliament’s too far

5. Many colonists fought in the French & Indian War (we’ve done our part)6. British personnel are causing violence, riots, and death (Boston Massacre & Boston Tea Party)