Loyalists

Colonists who remained loyal to the Crown were called Loyalists, or Tories. Often times, loyalists were upper class citizens who lived in cities instead of the country. Loyalists were nonviolent in their approach, much less so than their patriot brothers. These colonists were often mocked and insulted by their peers.

Reasons to remain loyal

There were a couple of common reasons colonists wished to stay loyal to the crown. They are as follows:

• Wanting to keep their wealth
• Having family members in England
• Having a job in the government
• Believing England was justified

Many Loyalists lived in New York, Pennsylvania, or New Jersey. Many shopkeepers, artisans, wealthy merchants, and officials remained loyal to England.

Relationship with Patriots

Patriots and Loyalists did not get along well. The Patriots constantly harassed the Loyalists, and many believed that by remaining loyal to the Crown, they were being traitors. Many tax collectors were even tarred and feathered by the patriots. However, some Loyalists fought back.

Imortant Loyalists

• William Allen
• John Askin
• Thomas Hutchinson