1. Loyalists and Patriots
Two groups that emerged, one wanted to stay loyal to the crown and England; the other seeking independence from England

2. Loyalists Older in age Many were merchants and wealthy land owners
Members of the Church of England
Pennsylvania Dutch were loyalists
They feared the royal land grants would be taken away
Due to fear of Republican Government
About 100,000 Loyalists left for England before the war.

3. About 100,000 Loyalists left for England before the war.

4. Patriots Many different backgrounds
Most were highly educated and wealthy
Majority of ordinary men and women
Farmers, mechanics, and shopkeepers
Middle and lower classes that didn’t like their economic situation.
Angry due to British Taxation

5. Patriots believed British taxes were not legal
Colonists were not directly represented in Parliament
British believed in “virtual representations”
All members of Parliament represent the interests of all British Subjects

7. Two different Armies The Continental Army
Patriot Army-mostly made up of volunteers, little combat experience
British Army-most powerful and successful army in Europe
The Continental Army
Leaders: Washington, and Lafayette
Untrained, did not behave like soldiers.
Lacked guns and supplies
They fought on their own land, knew the land well.
They fought for freedom from British rule
The British Army
Leaders: Clinton, Cornwallis
Well trained army that followed orders
They had excellent guns and supplies, and uniforms
They were fighting far from home.
They fought because their government wants them to.

8. Who should win?