Loyalists vs. Patriots Essential Questions: Who were Loyalists and who were Patriots? What did Loyalists and Patriots believe?

Loyalists Loyalists were American colonists who remained loyal to the Great Britain They were often referred to as Tories, Royalists, or King's Men by the Patriots Historians estimate that 15% and 20% of the white population were Loyalists Many Loyalists fled the country at the start of the revolution

Who were loyalists? They were older Many were merchants and wealthy Many active in the Church of England were Loyalists Most of the Pennsylvania Dutch were loyalists They feared their royal land grants would be in danger with a republican form of government About100,000 loyalists left the country after the revolution

Patriots Patriots came from many different backgrounds Most were highly educated and wealthy Support of ordinary men and women (farmers, mechanics, homemakers, and shopkeepers) aided the Patriot cause These middle and lower classes didn’t like their economic situation Largely due to British taxation

Views of the Patriots Believed British taxes were not "legal“ The colonists were not directly represented in Parliament The British believed in "virtual representation,“ All members of Parliament represent the interests of all the citizens of the British empire

The Arguments Loyalists Patriots People have rights government can’t take away, like property A strong unified British Empire is good for all Loyalists Patriots Colonists are British subjects and should obey British law Taxation takes away property (i.e. – money and goods) Taxes are due to French & Indian War which was fought to protect colonies Colonists don’t have voice in Parliament, so they can’t tax colonies (No taxation without representation) American colonies would be weak without Britain There’s no way colonies could ever be represented – Parliament’s too far Colonies profit from trade with England Many colonists fought in the French & Indian War (we’ve done our part) Colonies are too far away from England to have representation in Parliament, its just not practical British personnel are causing violence, riots, and death (Boston Massacre & Boston Tea Party)