Loyalists and Patriots

Two groups that emerged, one wanted to stay loyal to the crown and England; the

other seeking independence from England

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 GovernmentAbout 100,000 Loyalists left for England before the

war.

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

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

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

Two different ArmiesPatriot Army-mostly made up of volunteers, little combat experience

• 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

British Army-most powerful and successful army in Europe

• 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.

Who should win?