The American Revolution resulted in significant changes for those who remained loyal to the British Crown, known as Loyalists. This article examines the challenges faced by Loyalists after the war, including migration, violence, property confiscation, protection concerns, and settlement in Canada.
Key Facts
- Migration to Canada and Britain: Many loyalists chose to leave America, with an estimated 80,000 of them fleeing to Canada or Britain during or just after the war. This migration significantly altered the American social fabric.
- Violence and persecution: Loyalists who remained in America often faced violence and persecution. Some were beaten up by gangs who harassed them for being on the wrong side. In regions where the fighting continued, loyalists still tried to fight for the British Empire, leading to clashes with revolutionaries.
- Property confiscation: Patriots confiscated the property of many loyalists, leaving them with few economic resources. This loss of property added to the challenges faced by loyalists after the war.
- Protection concerns: During the peace negotiations, loyalists were concerned about the protections they would have in the new United States. Many felt that the protections offered by the U.S. were not sufficient, leading them to leave with the retreating British army.
- Settlement in Canada: About half of the loyalists who left the United States settled in Canada, primarily in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. They were offered free land in British North America, and their arrival marked the arrival of an English-speaking population in those regions.
Migration to Canada and Britain
Many Loyalists chose to leave America, with an estimated 80,000 of them fleeing to Canada or Britain during or just after the war. This migration significantly altered the American social fabric, as Loyalists were often wealthy, educated, older, and Anglican. Their departure left a void in American society that took years to fill.
Violence and Persecution
Loyalists who remained in America often faced violence and persecution. Some were beaten up by gangs who harassed them for being on the wrong side. In regions where the fighting continued, Loyalists still tried to fight for the British Empire, leading to clashes with revolutionaries. The violence and persecution faced by Loyalists made it difficult for them to rebuild their lives after the war.
Property Confiscation
Patriots confiscated the property of many Loyalists, leaving them with few economic resources. This loss of property added to the challenges faced by Loyalists after the war. They struggled to find new sources of income and support themselves and their families. The confiscation of property also contributed to the resentment felt by Loyalists towards the new American government.
Protection Concerns
During the peace negotiations, Loyalists were concerned about the protections they would have in the new United States. Many felt that the protections offered by the U.S. were not sufficient, leading them to leave with the retreating British army. They feared that they would be persecuted for their Loyalist sympathies and that their property would be confiscated.
Settlement in Canada
About half of the Loyalists who left the United States settled in Canada, primarily in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. They were offered free land in British North America, and their arrival marked the arrival of an English-speaking population in those regions. The Loyalists who settled in Canada faced challenges in adapting to a new environment and building new lives, but they eventually contributed to the development of Canada.
Sources
- https://www.ushistory.org/us/11b.asp
- https://www.npr.org/2015/07/03/419824333/what-happened-to-british-loyalists-after-the-revolutionary-war
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Expulsion_of_the_Loyalists
FAQs
What happened to Loyalists who remained in America after the war?
Loyalists who remained in America after the war faced violence, persecution, and property confiscation. They were often harassed by gangs, and their property was sometimes seized by Patriots. Some Loyalists were even forced to leave their homes and communities.
Why did so many Loyalists choose to leave America after the war?
Loyalists chose to leave America after the war for several reasons. They feared persecution and violence from Patriots. They were also concerned about the protections they would have in the new United States. Additionally, many Loyalists felt a sense of loyalty to the British Crown and did not want to live under a new government.
Where did Loyalists go after leaving America?
About half of the Loyalists who left America settled in Canada, primarily in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. They were offered free land in British North America, and their arrival marked the arrival of an English-speaking population in those regions. Other Loyalists went to Britain, the Bahamas, and other British colonies.
How were Loyalists treated in Canada after the war?
Loyalists who settled in Canada were generally treated well. They were given land and supplies by the British government, and they were allowed to practice their own religion and culture. However, some Loyalists faced discrimination from French-Canadians and from Americans who had moved to Canada after the war.
Did any Loyalists return to America after the war?
Some Loyalists did return to America after the war, but they faced many challenges. They were often ostracized by their former neighbors and friends, and they had difficulty finding work and housing. Some Loyalists were even forced to change their names in order to avoid persecution.
How did the treatment of Loyalists after the Revolutionary War affect American society?
The treatment of Loyalists after the Revolutionary War had a significant impact on American society. The departure of so many Loyalists left a void in American society, both economically and socially. It also contributed to the development of a more unified American identity, as those who remained in America were more likely to be committed to the new nation.
How did the treatment of Loyalists after the Revolutionary War affect Canada?
The arrival of Loyalists in Canada had a profound impact on Canadian society. The Loyalists brought with them their own culture, language, and traditions, which helped to shape the development of Canada. They also contributed to the economic development of Canada, as they brought with them skills and knowledge that were valuable to the new nation.
Is the treatment of Loyalists after the Revolutionary War still relevant today?
The treatment of Loyalists after the Revolutionary War is still relevant today because it raises important questions about how we treat people who hold different political views. It also reminds us of the importance of tolerance and understanding in a diverse society.