Definition and Background
Loyalists were colonists in the thirteen American colonies who remained loyal to the British Crown during the American Revolutionary War. They constituted about one-third of the population of the colonies at the time of the conflict. Loyalists were not confined to any particular group or class, but their numbers were strongest among officeholders, Anglican clergymen, Quakers, German religious sects, large landholders, and wealthy merchant groups. They shared an innate conservatism and a deep devotion to the mother country and the crown.
Key Facts
- Definition: Loyalists were colonists who remained loyal to the British Crown during the American Revolutionary War.
- Population: Loyalists constituted about one-third of the population of the American colonies during the conflict.
- Groups: Loyalists were not confined to any particular group or class, but their numbers were strongest among officeholders, Anglican clergymen, Quakers, German religious sects, large landholders, and wealthy merchant groups.
- Traits: Loyalists shared an innate conservatism and a deep devotion to the mother country and the crown.
- Motives: Loyalists believed that rebellion against the legitimate government was morally wrong, felt alienated by the violence of the Patriots, had business and family links with Britain, and feared chaos and mob rule resulting from revolution.
- Treatment: Loyalists were often treated as traitors by the Patriots, and Congress recommended repressive measures against them, including laws forbidding them from holding office, disenfranchising them, and confiscating or heavily taxing their property.
- Exile and Compensation: Approximately 100,000 loyalists fled into exile, with the largest portion going to Canada, where they were known as United Empire Loyalists. The British government provided them with asylum and offered some compensation for their losses in property and income.
- Post-War: After the American Revolution, many loyalists returned to the US, and discriminatory laws against them were eventually repealed. Historians estimate that between 15% and 20% of the white population in the colonies in 1775 were loyalists.
Motivations and Experiences
Loyalists were motivated by several factors to remain loyal to the British Crown. They believed that rebellion against the legitimate government was morally wrong. They felt alienated by the violence of the Patriots (those who supported the revolution) and had business and family links with Britain. Additionally, they feared the chaos and mob rule that might result from a successful revolution.
The Patriots often treated Loyalists as traitors. Congress recommended repressive measures against them, including laws forbidding them from holding office, disenfranchising them, and confiscating or heavily taxing their property. As a result, approximately 100,000 Loyalists fled into exile, with the largest portion going to Canada, where they were known as United Empire Loyalists. The British government provided them with asylum and offered some compensation for their losses in property and income.
Aftermath and Legacy
After the American Revolution, many Loyalists returned to the United States, and discriminatory laws against them were eventually repealed. Historians estimate that between 15% and 20% of the white population in the colonies in 1775 were Loyalists.
The experiences of the Loyalists during the American Revolution provide valuable insights into the complexities of political and social upheaval. Their motivations and actions shed light on the diverse perspectives and loyalties that existed within the American colonies during this transformative period in history.
Sources
- Merriam-Webster Dictionary: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/loyalist
- Encyclopedia Britannica: https://www.britannica.com/topic/loyalist
- Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loyalist_(American_Revolution)
FAQs
Who were the Loyalists?
Loyalists were colonists in the thirteen American colonies who remained loyal to the British Crown during the American Revolutionary War.
What were the motivations of the Loyalists?
Loyalists were motivated by various factors, including their belief in the legitimacy of the British government, their alienation from the violence of the Patriots, their business and family ties to Britain, and their fear of chaos and mob rule resulting from a successful revolution.
How were Loyalists treated during and after the American Revolution?
During the war, Loyalists were often treated as traitors by the Patriots and subjected to repressive measures such as laws forbidding them from holding office, disenfranchisement, and confiscation of property. After the war, many Loyalists fled into exile, while others returned to the United States, where discriminatory laws against them were eventually repealed.
What was the significance of the Loyalists in the American Revolution?
The Loyalists represented a significant portion of the population in the American colonies and their experiences shed light on the complexities of political and social upheaval during this transformative period in history. Their motivations and actions provide valuable insights into the diverse perspectives and loyalties that existed within the colonies.
How many Loyalists were there?
Historians estimate that between 15% and 20% of the white population in the colonies in 1775 were Loyalists, which amounted to approximately one-third of the total population.
Where did the Loyalists go after the war?
Approximately 100,000 Loyalists fled into exile after the war, with the largest portion going to Canada, where they became known as United Empire Loyalists. Others went to Britain, the West Indies, and other parts of the British Empire.
What happened to the Loyalists who remained in the United States?
Many Loyalists who remained in the United States faced discrimination and persecution. They were often ostracized by their former neighbors and subjected to economic and legal penalties. However, over time, discriminatory laws against Loyalists were repealed, and they were gradually reintegrated into American society.
What is the legacy of the Loyalists?
The experiences of the Loyalists during the American Revolution continue to be studied and debated by historians. Their motivations and actions provide valuable insights into the complexities of political and social upheaval. The legacy of the Loyalists is a reminder of the diverse perspectives and loyalties that existed within the American colonies during the Revolutionary War and the challenges faced by those who remained loyal to the British Crown.