Patriots, Loyalists, and Neutrals

After the French-Indian war ended in 1763, England was in a lot of debt. As a way to get the money they needed, they turned to the American colonies as a source. They began to tax the colonists on a variety of trade, including tea and stamps.

Things began to go downhill in the year 1764. The Americans of the 13 colonies now began to split on their opinion of England. About 1/3 remained loyal to the Crown. These were the Loyalists. Another 1/3 wanted their independence, and called themselves Patriots. The final 1/3 of colonists didn't choose a side, and thus remained Neutral.

Click on any of the colonists on the right to learn more about them.