The American Revolutionary War was a period of great upheaval and change for the people of the thirteen colonies. For those who remained loyal to the British Crown, the war brought about a series of challenges and hardships.
Key Facts
- Treatment and Harassment: Loyalists often faced mistreatment and harassment during the war. Some were beaten up by gangs who targeted them for being on the wrong side.
- Violence and Fear: In regions like the backcountry of the South, loyalists continued to fight for the British Empire even after the war ended. This led to a climate of violence and fear, with loyalists and revolutionaries attacking each other and going to each other’s plantations.
- Migration and Displacement: Many loyalists chose to leave America after the war. Between 60,000 and 80,000 loyalists, including wealthy, educated, older, and Anglican individuals, fled to Canada or Britain during or just after the war. Their departure altered the American social fabric[3].
- Property Damage: Loyalists often had their property vandalized, looted, and burned by patriots. The patriots controlled public discourse, and expressing sympathy for Britain could lead to public humiliation.
Treatment and Harassment
Loyalists often faced mistreatment and harassment during the war. Some were beaten up by gangs who targeted them for being on the wrong side. Others were forced to leave their homes and businesses, and some were even killed.
Violence and Fear
In regions like the backcountry of the South, loyalists continued to fight for the British Empire even after the war ended. This led to a climate of violence and fear, with loyalists and revolutionaries attacking each other and going to each other’s plantations.
Migration and Displacement
Many loyalists chose to leave America after the war. Between 60,000 and 80,000 loyalists, including wealthy, educated, older, and Anglican individuals, fled to Canada or Britain during or just after the war. Their departure altered the American social fabric.
Property Damage
Loyalists often had their property vandalized, looted, and burned by patriots. The patriots controlled public discourse, and expressing sympathy for Britain could lead to public humiliation.
Sources
• https://www.mountvernon.org/library/digitalhistory/digital-encyclopedia/article/loyalists/
• https://www.ushistory.org/us/11b.asp
FAQs
What challenges did Loyalists face during the Revolutionary War?
Loyalists faced mistreatment, harassment, violence, and fear. They were often forced to leave their homes and businesses, and some were even killed.
Why did Loyalists leave America after the war?
Many Loyalists chose to leave America after the war because they feared for their safety and property. They also felt that they could not live in a country that had rebelled against the British Crown.
How many Loyalists left America after the war?
Between 60,000 and 80,000 Loyalists left America after the war. This included wealthy, educated, older, and Anglican individuals.
Where did Loyalists go after they left America?
Most Loyalists went to Canada or Britain after they left America. Some also went to the Caribbean, Spanish Florida, or other parts of the British Empire.
What happened to the property of Loyalists who left America?
The property of Loyalists who left America was often confiscated by the new American government. This included their homes, businesses, and land.
Were Loyalists able to return to America after the war?
Some Loyalists were able to return to America after the war, but they often faced discrimination and hostility. Many were unable to reclaim their property, and some were even forced to leave the country again.
How did the departure of Loyalists affect American society?
The departure of Loyalists had a significant impact on American society. It led to a loss of skilled workers, professionals, and leaders. It also contributed to the rise of anti-British sentiment in America.
How are Loyalists remembered today?
Loyalists are often remembered today as traitors to the American cause. However, some historians argue that they were simply people who remained loyal to their government.