During the time of the American Revolution, many residents of the colonies were unsure whether the idea of separating from England was a good one. Many were opposed to it. These individuals were called loyalists. Loyalists had good reason to oppose a push for independence. Loyalists had a strong sense of duty and loyalty toward the British crown, benefitted from the Trans-Atlantic trade with England. They were worried that an independent nation would be reduced to anarchy (revolution).

In contrast, the Patriots had valid reasons for wanting to break away from England. They believed their individual liberties had been violated by the British Crown and that their rights were being taken away after the implementation of various taxes and acts.

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Concord and Lexington

The scene in Lexington as the militia squared up to the British troops for the first shots of the war.

Casualties: The British Regiments suffered 19 officers and 250 soldiers killed and wounded. The American losses did not exceed 90 men.

Bunker Hill Battle

Size of the armies: 2,400 British troops against 1,500 Americans. Winner: While the British drove the Americans from the Charlestown peninsula, it was with heavy loss. The battle was at the time considered to be an American defeat, but has since been lifted to the ranks of a heroic stands against forces of oppression. Size of the armies: 2,400 British troops against 1,500 Americans. Winner: While the British drove the Americans from the Charlestown peninsula, it was with heavy loss. The battle was at the time considered to be an American defeat, but has since been lifted to the ranks of a heroic stands against forces of oppression.

Casualties: The British suffered some 1,150 killed and wounded or nearly half of the force engaged. The American casualties were estimated at 450 killed and wounded.

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Thomas Gage - After the affairs at Lexington, Concord, and Bunker Hill, Gage was ungenerously held responsible for the blunders of the ministry, and resigned his command in October, 1775

John Murray- was the colonial governor of Virginia at the outbreak of the American Revolution.

Abigail Adams – wife of President John Adams

. In May of 1776, nearly 150 years before women would vote in the U.S., Adams wrote to her husband in Philadelphia, from this home in Quincy: I long to hear that you have declared an independency--and by the way in the new Code of Laws which I suppose it will be necessary to make I desire that you would Remember the Ladies, and be more generous and favorable to them than your ancestors. Do not put such unlimited power into the hands of the Husbands. Remember all Men would be tyrants if they could. If particular care and attention is not paid to the Ladies we are determined to ferment a Rebelion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any Laws in which we have no voice, or Representation...(sic)

John Adams – He was the 1 st Vice President and the 2 nd President. He was the first President to occupy the White House. John Adams and Thomas Jefferson died on the same day, July 4, On the 50 th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

Patrick Henry – Prominent figure in the American Revolution and is best known for his “Give me Liberty, or give me death” speech. He was one of the founding fathers.

Richard Henry Lee -opposed the federal constitution, as he favored strong state rights. He was however elected the first State Senator from Virginia under the new federal government. He retired from that office to his home in Chantilly due to illness, and soon after died at the age of 62.

Peter Mahlenberg -a Major General of the Continental Army, and a United States Senator and Congressman from Pennsylvania.

Thomas Paine - Paine committed himself to the cause of American independence. he published a short pamphlet, Common Sense,

Peter Salem - African-American Soldier who given his freedom when he enlisted in the Continental Army.

Mary Slocumb – was a Patriot that rode through the forest to see her husband, who was in the Continental Army.

Who do you think stayed neutral during the Revolutionary War?

Most Native Americans And Quakers