LOYALISTS 1776-1815

Big Idea During the American Revolution (1775 to 1783), there were many different stances on the idea of complete independence.

American Revolution The war of independence waged by the American colonies against Britain influenced political ideas and revolutions around the globe. The Thirteen Colonies won political independence and went on to form the United States of America.

Patriot, Loyalist, or Neutral? During the American Revolution (1775 to 1783) 1/3 remained loyal to the king of England 1/3 fought for American independence 1/3 remained neutral Not every one supported the war against Britain There were the Patriots, who supported independence, the Loyalist, who did not and those that remained neutral. Often, opponents lived in the same region or even on adjoining farms, holding opposing allegiances and fighting for their respective sides. There was disorder in the society at every level, not because of the threat of outside conquest, but because of the struggle within their own country.

Patriots Supported complete independence from Britain Britain laws = violation of their rights as British citizens Often colonists who were in debt with British creditors. Why do you think this was? Examples of these laws include: taxing without consent, quartering soldiers in citizens’ homes, and denying colonists the right to a trial Why do you think this was? Because they hoped winning the Revolution could get them out of paying back their debt.

Neutral Did not agree with either side Undecided because they believed in peaceful resolution without having to choose a side Groups like Quakers – wanted no part in any fight

Loyalists Those who opposed independence from Britain Considered Canada’s first political refugees Patriots = enemy Any call for independence = act of treason They were from every walk of live - no specific group

Types of Loyalists: Neutral but tormented by Patriots Wanted their unique customs protected Loyal to Britain and feared democracy Slaves wanting freedom Iroquois fearing American farmers Wanted religious freedom Recruited and went for the best deal (Free land in Canada!) Thought Britain would win, but were wrong. Loyalists were a varied group and had little in common except that they were opposed to the American Revolution, despite their varied reasons.

British territory in the Caribbean Sea Quebec and Nova Scotia Faced persecution and possible harm from Patriots Brutally attacked Killed Property destroyed or confiscated More obvious that Americans would win, Loyalists escape for own safety to: Britain British territory in the Caribbean Sea Quebec and Nova Scotia

The British offered Loyalists free land in Quebec and Nova Scotia. 50 000 Loyalists settled Built home and farms, roads, and churches Wide range: dwellers, farmers, successful merchants, newspaper owners, blacksmiths, silversmiths and shop owners, leaders in communities, members of elected Entire families came  sometimes only children and wives because the husbands or sons had been killed in the american war All refugees  people whho had become embroiled in the conflict and who fled or were exiled from their homeland

Jigsaw Activity Step 1 Assign a topic to each student at your pod: Loyalists in Atlantic Canada The Black Loyalists The Loyalists in Quebec

Jigsaw Activity Step 2 Read up on your topic at least twice and become familiar with it. Loyalists in Atlantic Canada (p.198-199) The Black Loyalists (p.200-201) Loyalists in Quebec (p.201-202)

Jigsaw Activity Step 3 Get together with your “expert groups”. There are the other students that were assigned the same topic. For example, all students that researched the Black Loyalists, get together.

Jigsaw Activity Step 4 In your expert groups, discuss the main points of your topic. Take notes as you will be presenting your topic to your peers.

Jigsaw Activity Step 5 Return to your pods and present your topic to the group. Others should ask questions for clarification!

Jigsaw Activity Step 6 Discuss as a class!