Loyalists vs. PatriotsLesson Topic

Key Concepts

Big Idea

Two groups emerged, those that supported independence and those that supported the KingLoyalistsPatriotsPennsylvaniaRoyalistsToriesVirtual Representation

How might your allegiance during the Revolution play a role in your social status?

How might it effect the way you’re treated during and after the conflict?

The Sides Are Chosen

Loyalists

American colonists who remained loyal to Great Britain

Often referred to as Tories, Royalists, or King's Men by the Patriots

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

Many fled the country at the start of the revolution

Two groups emerged, those that supported independence and those that supported the King.

Big Idea

Who were loyalists?

They were older

Many were merchants and wealthy land owners

Active in the Church of England

Pennsylvania Dutch were loyalists Feared royal land grants

would be in danger Due to idea of a republican

form of government

About100,000 loyalists left the country after the revolution

Two groups emerged, those that supported independence and those that supported the King.

Big Idea

Loyalists Demographics

Dutch colonists tended to be largely loyalists

Patriots outnumbered loyalists throughout the colonies

Two groups emerged, those that supported independence and those that supported the King.

Big Idea

Patriots

Many different backgrounds

Many were highly educated and wealthy

Majority were ordinary men and women Farmers, mechanics,

homemakers, and shopkeepers

Middle and lower classes didn’t like economic situation Due to British taxation

Two groups emerged, those that supported independence and those that supported the King.

Big Idea

Views of the Patriots

Believed British taxes were not "legal“

Colonists were not directly represented in Parliament

British believed in "virtual representation” All members of

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

Two groups emerged, those that supported independence and those that supported the King.

Big Idea

Perception of Patriots

Popular image of the Patriot

Patriot Call To Arms

Two groups emerged, those that supported independence and those that supported the King.

Big Idea

Loya

list

sPatriot

s

1. A strong unified British Empire is good for all

2. 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 property

2. Taxation takes away property (i.e. money & 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 & Tea Party)