Who were the British Loyalists in the American Revolution?

Loyalist, also called Tory, colonist loyal to Great Britain during the American Revolution. Loyalists constituted about one-third of the population of the American colonies during that conflict.

Why were Loyalists loyal to Britain?

Loyalists wanted to pursue peaceful forms of protest because they believed that violence would give rise to mob rule or tyranny. Loyalists came from all walks of life. The majority were small farmers, artisans and shopkeepers. Not surprisingly, most British officials remained loyal to the Crown.

How did the British treat the Loyalists?

The Patriots were not a tolerant group, and Loyalists suffered regular harassment, had their property seized, or were subject to personal attacks. Unless the British Army was close at hand to protect Loyalists, they often suffered bad treatment from Patriots and often had to flee their own homes.

Who was a famous Loyalist during the American Revolution?

Other famous loyalists include Thomas Hutchinson (governor of Massachusetts colony), Andrew Allen, John Butler (leader of the loyalists troops Butler’s Rangers), and David Mathews (mayor of New York City).

Why did loyalists oppose independence?

The reason why Loyalist support the King and oppose independence because American colonist should be loyal to England, but they don’t want too, but they would instantly lose all assistance, and also because the protect America and if they don’t be loyal, they wouldn’t have any protection.

How did Loyalists view Patriots?

Loyalists wanted to remain loyal to the king, and Americans who wanted independence and were willing to fight were called patriots. Loyalists felt a special tie to the king because they had served as judges, councilors, or governors. The Patriots cause embraced farmers, artisans, merchants, landowners,…

What happened to Loyalists during the war?

Life for the loyalists became increasingly difficult during the war. Loyalists who lived in areas controlled by the patriots were in constant danger from radical patriots. Many of them lost their homes and businesses. Many loyalists left the country and went back to Britain.

What was the loyalists point of view?

A group of people who fought for the thirteen colonies. The Loyalists thought of them as untrained soldiers, and they were correct. From an Americans point of view a Loyalist was a traitor who turned against the colonists to go with the British government. From a Canadian or British point of view the Loyalists were the honorable ones.