AP US History in 1 Minute Daily: Patriots and Loyalists (Day 49/309)

Welcome to today’s explanation of Patriots & Loyalists in my series- APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!

Spirit of ‘76, Wikimedia Commons

At the time of the Declaration of Independence, only 40% of American colonists actively supported freedom from Britain. They were known as Patriots and were primarily from New England and Virginia.

Benjamin West’s The Reception of the American Loyalists by Great Britain in Year 1783 Connecticut History

Around 20-30% were Loyalists, or those who desired to remain part of the British empire. They were typically from the wealthy class and preferred instead to use constitutional methods to address colonial grievances.

James Chalmers Plain Truth, Library of Congress

Loyalist writers created pamphlets, ministers used their pulpits, and some acted as spies. Additionally, they were part of the military and more attempted to prevent Patriot success through subversion and protest.

Soldiers in Uniform, National Park Service

While African Americans aligned with the American attitudes of freedom, they also viewed the British as potential liberators. American Indians were more likely to support the British as they viewed the American colonists as more likely to threaten their land claims.

Americans were far from united at the start of the Revolutionary War. Those who supported freedom from Britain were known as Patriots, while those who wished to remain part of the British empire were known as Loyalists.

Join me tomorrow as I explain Wartime Advantages & Disadvantages in our next APUSH in 1 Minute Daily!