Who were they?
Not all of the people who lived in the American Colonies wanted to break from Britain. There were many people who wanted to stay part of Britain and remain British citizens. These people were called the loyalists.
Not all of the people who lived in the American Colonies wanted to break from Britain. There were many people who wanted to stay part of Britain and remain British citizens. These people were called the loyalists.
Where did they live?
The loyalists lived in Nova Scotia, some of North and South Carolina, and mostly just scattered around the Thirteen Colonies.
The loyalists lived in Nova Scotia, some of North and South Carolina, and mostly just scattered around the Thirteen Colonies.
Why?
A lot of people felt that their lives would be better off if the colonies stayed under the British rule. Some were simply afraid to go up against the British army. Others knew that English trade was important to the economy, as well as their livelihood. Loyalists thought that British rule would be better for them than the patriots.
A lot of people felt that their lives would be better off if the colonies stayed under the British rule. Some were simply afraid to go up against the British army. Others knew that English trade was important to the economy, as well as their livelihood. Loyalists thought that British rule would be better for them than the patriots.
Percentage of Loyalists in the Thirteen Colonies
20 percent of the population in the colonies supported the loyalists.
20 percent of the population in the colonies supported the loyalists.
Advantages
- The British already had an army that was experienced, well trained, and well supplied.
- They already had a government in place, as well as a monetary system (currency system).
Disadvantages
- The colonies were far from England, so transportation and resupply was difficult for British Military.
- They didn't know the land, so they weren't familiar with it.
- The British still had major debt from the French and Indian War.