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What Happened To The Loyalists

Decent Essays
Argumentative Essay
Loyalist or Patriot
Background: Various events of the 1700s led colonists to develop strong beliefs regarding the British government. The Trial of Peter Zenger, The Proclamation of 1763, the Boston Massacre combined with constantly changing taxes and rules that governed them made many think that self-governance was the best path for the colonies. Others felt that the King and his appointed officials had their best interests in mind and preferred to stay loyal to the crown. Later, during the American Revolution, most colonists took one side or the other. Either they were Patriots or loyalist. Patriots believed that the colonies should break away from England and govern themselves. Loyalist believed that the colonies
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Other famous loyalists include Thomas Hutchinson (governor of Massachusetts colony), Andrew Allen, John Butler (leader of the loyalists troops Butler 's Rangers), and David Mathews (mayor of New York City).

What happened to loyalists during the war?

Life for the loyalists became increasingly difficult during the war. Loyalists who lived in areas controlled by the patriots were in constant danger from radical patriots. Many of them lost their homes and businesses.

Many loyalists left the country and went back to Britain. Others decided to help the British fight the patriots. They either joined the British army or formed their own groups of fighters such as the Loyal Greens and the Royal American Regiment.

What happened to the loyalists after the war?

Many loyalists moved to England after the war ended. A lot of them lost their fortunes and land that they had built up over years in the Americas. In some cases the British government paid them for their loyalty, but it was usually not nearly as much as they had lost. The United States government wanted the loyalists to stay. They felt the new country could use their skills and education. Few stayed, however.

Interesting Facts About Patriots and Loyalists
• Other names for patriots included Sons of Liberty, Rebels, Whigs, and Colonials.
• Other names for loyalists included Tories, Royalists, and the King 's Friends.
• Many loyalists lived in New York
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