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Loyalists vs. Patriots. Essential Questions: Who were Loyalists and who were Patriots? What did Loyalists and Patriots believe?.
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Loyalists vs. Patriots Essential Questions: Who were Loyalists and who were Patriots? What did Loyalists and Patriots believe? "Loyalists Vs. Patriots." Upload & Share PowerPoint Presentations and Documents. Web. 03 Nov. 2011. <http://www.slideshare.net/bmtoth/loyalists-vs-patriots-presentation>.
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
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
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
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
The Arguments • People have rights government can’t take away, like property • A strong unified British Empire is good for all Patriots Loyalists • 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)