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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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)