The Intolerable Acts were designed to punish the Massachusetts colonists for the Boston Tea Party. At the time of the American Revolution, slaves made up at least 25 percent of the population of North Carolina. The majority of these Loyalists belonged to the wealthy merchant class in the colonies, their livelihood dependent on trade and good relations with Britain. For the rest of the war, Quebec acted as a base for raiding expeditions, conducted primarily by Loyalists and Indians, against frontier communities. By the time the British surrendered at Yorktown, Virginia, in 1781, the Americans had basically won their independence. Simcoe desired to demonstrate the merits of loyalism and abolitionism in Upper Canada in contrast to the nascent republicanism and prominence of slavery in the United States, and, according to historian Stanley R. Mealing: However the actual law was a compromise. They had business and family links with Britain. The Massachusetts political leader, John Adams, thought about thirty-three percent of the colonists supported independence, thirty-three percent supported Britain, and thirty-three percent supported neither side. Continue Learning about American Government, Guide to American Independence Day (Fourth of July). The British removed their governors from colonies where the Patriots were in control, but Loyalist civilian government was re-established in coastal Georgia[23] from 1779 to 1782, despite the presence of Patriot forces in the northern part of Georgia. The. Those who wished that the Colonies remain tied to Great Britain were known as Loyalists. American Loyalists, or "Tories" as their opponents called them, opposed the Revolution, and many took up arms against the rebels. Vocal Loyalists recruited people to their side, often with the encouragement and assistance of royal governors. From newspapers of the time, we can assert that the independence movement was centered in New England with a great deal of certainty. A higher percentage of the population died in the American Revolution than in any other war fought by Americans. This forced the Patriots to also offer freedom to those who would serve in the Continental Army, with thousands of Black Patriots serving in the Continental Army. Among the Catholics who assumed leadership roles in the fight for our liberty were: These people were the type that were either pacifists, recent immigrants, or simply apolitical. They simply had no interest in the matter or committing to either cause. Most of the English-speaking settlers had arrived following the British conquest of Canada in 17591760, and were unlikely to support separation from Britain. Early Patriots alienated some by resorting to violence against tax collectors and pressuring others to declare a position in the conflict. Many active Church of England members became Loyalists. population was living below the poverty line in the 1920's. and the estimated 55,000 who served on American Privateers. Others were required to pay a 10% fine of the value of the property. Pros And Cons Of The American Revolution. "[59] In response, the colony of New Brunswick, until 1784 part of Nova Scotia, was created for the 14,000 who had settled in those parts. According to John Adams they accounted for a third of the poupulation, it is disputed today. [58] "They [the Loyalists]", Colonel Thomas Dundas wrote in 1786, "have experienced every possible injury from the old inhabitants of Nova Scotia, who are even more disaffected towards the British Government than any of the new States ever were. . African-Americans were often the first to come forward to volunteer and a total of 12,000 African Americans served with the British from 1775 to 1783. [36][37], While men were out fighting for the Crown, women served at home protecting their land and property. The British forces at the Battle of Monck's Corner and the Battle of Lenud's Ferry consisted entirely of Loyalists with the exception of the commanding officer (Banastre Tarleton). Britain was able to effectively protect the people only in areas where they had military control, and in return, the number of military Loyalists was significantly lower than what had been expected. The taxes were justified, per the British, in order to pay for the defense of the colonies and the costly war (Seven Years War) against France the British fought on the colonies behalf. The Loyalists rarely attempted any political organization. Patrick Henry "Give me liberty, or give me death!" Question 15 options: About five percent About twenty percent About fifty percent About seventy-five percent About twenty percent The Founding Fathers and architects of the Constitution were early Patriot leaders and . No one disputes that in the Stamp Act crisis of 1765, Americans were overwhelmingly against that legislation. The patriots received active support from perhaps 40 to 45 percent of the white populace, and at most no more than a bare majority. A form of kinship. 35. Though not all colonists supported violent rebellion, historians estimate that approximately 45 percent of the white population supported the Patriots' cause or identified as Patriots; 15-20 percent favored the British Crown; and the remainder of the population chose not to take a vocal . Calhoon, Robert M., Timothy M. Barnes and George A. Rawlyk, eds. American war for independence. John Graves Simcoe, 1752-1806: A biography. Probably twice that number soldiered as militiamen, for the most part defending the home front, functioning as a police force, and occasionally engaging in enemy surveillance in addition to supplementing the Continental Army for stretches. It is not known how many Loyalist civilians were harassed by the Patriots, but the treatment was a warning to other Loyalists not to take up arms. Highland Scots in the Carolinas, a fair number of Anglican clergy and their parishioners in Connecticut and New York, a few Presbyterians in the southern colonies, and a large number of the Iroquois stayed loyal to the king. According to Robert Calhoon, between 40 and 45 percent of the white population in the Thirteen Colonies supported the Patriots' cause, between 15 and 20 percent supported the Loyalists, and the remainder were neutral or kept a low profile. Lexington and Concord were less than a year away. That event was the British decision to send an army from Halifax to occupy Boston in October, 1768. Following these actions, support for the Revolutionist grew to about 40 to 45 percent of the colonial population. A year later, the Declaration of Independence was signed. In what became known as the Snow Campaign, partisan militia arrested or drove out most of the back country Loyalist leadership. They founded communities across the two provinces, many of which still exist today. Loyalists who stayed in the US were generally able to retain their property and become American citizens. By the 1780s, Catholics were extended legal toleration in all of the New England states that previously had been so hostile. We get it: you like to have control of your own internet experience. Loyalists fighting in the American Revolution, Category:Novels set during the American Revolutionary War, List of notable Loyalists (American Revolution), American Revolution - Nova Scotia theatre, List of places named for Loyalists (American Revolution), Refugees after the American Revolution needed money, homes and acceptance, "loyalist | Definition & Facts | Britannica", "Loyalists During the American Revolutionary War: What Happened to Them? "'I Wish for Nothing More Ardent upon Earth, than to See My Friends and Country Again': The Return of Massachusetts Loyalists. Another term for this group was "fence-sitters". Another theory is a hybrid between American interest in current events and a sense of American values. "The Loyalists and the American Revolution. what percentage of colonists supported the american revolution. Many departed the fledgling United States because they faced continuing hostility. Another term for this group was fence-sitters. Essentially, the British were only able to maintain power in areas where they had a strong military presence. Loyalists settled in what are now the provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Quebec and Ontario. If that is true, then it is legitimate to ask, "what exactly is it that we are celebrating on July 4th?". What did Paul Revere do when he saw the British crossing the Charles River in Boston? At that date, 293,000 slaves lived in Virginia alone, making up 42 percent of all slaves in the U.S. at the time. "The Problem of the Loyalistand the Problems of Loyalist Historians,", Ranlet, Philip. They were also known as King's Men, Tories, and Royalists. [39] Grace Growden Galloway[40] recorded the experience in her diary. What percentage of colonists were Patriots in 1776? John K. Robertson looks at this very issue of militia size in the Journal of the American Revolution in 2016. Approximately half the colonists of European ancestry tried to avoid involvement in the strugglesome of them deliberate pacifists, others recent immigrants, and many more simple apolitical folk. 20 May 2016. Loyalist refugees, later called United Empire Loyalists, began leaving at the end of the war whenever transport was available, at considerable loss of property and transfer of wealth. Both women maintained a 20-year friendship although they wrote about different sides of the war. Why did King George III issue the Proclamation of 1763? Many peopleincluding former Regulators in North Carolina refused to join the rebellion, as they had earlier protested against corruption by local authorities who later became Revolutionary leaders. What immediate action did the Second Continental Congress take in response to the fighting at What was the agenda of the Radical Republican Reconstruction? It is a debatable fact since the number of Loyalists would have this group would be considered as unenthusiastic at best. Last month, a Georgia State senator running for governor posed with an armed militia group at an Atlanta rally, introducing many of us to the III% Militia. 9240 views At no time did more than 45 percent of colonists support the war, and at least a third of colonists fought for the British. Of these, 26,260 were in the militia, which meant 13 percent of the population. Loyalists whose roots were not yet deeply embedded in the United States were more likely to leave; older people who had familial bonds and had acquired friends, property, and a degree of social respectability were more likely to remain in the US. "Tories" often is used as a synonym but refers in the eighteenth-c War Of Independence, The War of Independence, also known as the American Revolution and the Revolutionary War, was fought from 1775 to 1783 between Great Britain and the Thomas Gage, Gage, Thomas Born c. 1721 Firle, England . He can be reached at jtures@lagrange.edu. Containing coverage before, during, and after the war, as well as the effect of the revolution on a global scale, this major reference to the period is ideal for any student, scholar, or general reader seeking a complete reference to the field. Loyalists were sympathetic to the British cause and willing to either fight against their fellow colonists, or maintain ties with Britain via trade or military support. The British provincial line, consisting of Americans enlisted on a regular army status, enrolled 19,000 Loyalists (50 units and 312 companies). John A. Tures is a professor of political science at LaGrange College in LaGrange, Ga. Men and women made fateful, often difficult decisions that led to the great clash. Between 1680 and 1760 Anglicanism and Congregationalism, an offshoot of the English Puritan movement, established themselves as the main organized denominations in the majority of the colonies. Farmers, for example, often chose the side that their . Benedict Arnold and Ethan Allen come to mind, not "middle-of-the-roaders," but "men-of-both-extremes." Loyalists who lived in areas controlled by the patriots were in constant danger from radical patriots. In direct opposition were the Loyalists or Tories who amounted They felt that independence from Britain would come eventually, but wanted it to come about organically. No one who openly proclaimed their loyalty to the Crown was allowed to remain, so Loyalists fled or kept quiet. However, it is doubtful that the Colonial Army could have survived Most history experts today think that about twenty percent of the colonists supported Britain. Nearly 40% of the colonists were neither Patriot nor Loyalist, but neutral. A major result was that a Patriot/Whig elite supplanted royal officials and affluent Tories. Although both women's works were unpopular, during this time, it pushed them to learn from social critique. Although only a minority of Canadians openly expressed loyalty to King George, about 1,500 militia fought for the King in the Siege of Fort St. Jean. The American Revolution was a time of political turmoil and conflict that happened between the British and the thirteen colonies during 1765 to 1763. . "Enduring Patterns of Loyalist Study: Definitions and Contours", Kermes, Stephanie. The British honored the pledge of freedom in New York City through the efforts of General Guy Carleton, who recorded the names of African Americans who had supported the British in a document called the Book of Negroes, which granted freedom to slaves who had escaped and assisted the British. These were 'state owned' weapons, not privately owned. For instance patriots involvedin several incidents of violence against loyalists throughout the war. The American Revolution was principally caused by colonial opposition to British attempts to impose greater control over the colonies and to make them repay the crown for its defense of them during the French and Indian War (175463). What disadvantages did the Patriots face in fighting the British? A large British army of over 30,000 troops convinced even George Washington of the virtues of a protracted conflict.. After years of unrest, fighting broke out in 1775. Finally, there was the question of establishing an American nation afterwards, which really was not decided ultimately until the later Civil War. Unlike the Civil War, which pitted regions against each other, the war of independence pitted neighbor against neighbor. That will be the subject of the next piece, Was the American Revolution a Peoples War? intended to end the Minority Myth view. Patriots were active supporters of independence, and willing to fight for it. [32] Those who supported independence from Britain were known as Patriots and colonists who opposed independence from Britain were known as Loyalists. [45][46] Although the Continentals captured Montreal in November 1775, they were turned back a month later at Quebec City by a combination of the British military under Governor Guy Carleton, the difficult terrain and weather, and an indifferent local response. This professionally trained Continental Army would serve as the backbone of the American war effort with militia providing support when possible. About 80,000 of them fled to Canada or Britain during or just after the war. Check out our timeline of the history of the United States for a great place to start and navigate through American history! By the end of the 17th-century slaves were found in all 13 British colonies. . [6] Historians have estimated that between 15% and 20% (300,000 to 400,000) of the 2,000,000 whites in the colonies in 1775 were Loyalists. Originally our estimates were based on John Adams who wrote that 1/3 supported independence 1/3 supported the crown and 1/3 were uncommitted. Estimates of the number of Loyalists range as high as 500,000, or 20 percent of the white population of the colonies. 868 Words4 Pages. They crossed the US/Can border during the war. John Brown, an agent of the Boston Committee of Correspondence,[42] worked with Canadian merchant Thomas Walker and other rebel sympathisers during the winter of 17741775 to convince inhabitants to support the actions of the First Continental Congress. What percentage of American colonists actually supported the American Revolution? Why Was the Battle of Tippecanoe Important? American Loyalists, or "Tories" as their opponents called them, opposed the Revolution, and many took up arms against the rebels. About 800 did so; some helped rout the Virginia militia at the Battle of Kemp's Landing and fought in the Battle of Great Bridge on the Elizabeth River, wearing the motto "Liberty to Slaves", but this time they were defeated. "[71], John Copley's "The Death of Major Pierson". Religious practice suffered in certain places because of the absence of ministers and the destruction of churches, but in other areas, religion flourished. [30] For actively aiding the British army when it occupied Philadelphia, two residents of the city were tried for treason, convicted, and executed by returning Patriot forces. Others recalled the dreadful experiences of many. Who took part in the American Revolution? The 36,000 or so who went to Nova Scotia were not well received by the 17,000 Nova Scotians, who were mostly descendants of New Englanders settled there before the Revolution. "[1], Prominent Loyalists repeatedly assured the British government that many thousands of them would spring to arms and fight for the crown. [33] After 1787 they became Sierra Leone's ruling elite during the colonial era[34] and their descendants, the Sierra Leone Creoles, are the cultural elites of the nation. Our service was something to be proud of, not something to be ashamed of, as some on the fringes would lead us to believe. In another migration-motivated mainly by economic rather than political reasons-[57] more than 20,000 and perhaps as many as 30,000 "Late Loyalists" arrived in Ontario in the 1790s attracted by Lieutenant-Governor Simcoe's policy of land and low taxes, one-fifth those in the US and swearing an oath[when?] Loyalists, LOYALISTS were colonials who took the British side during the American Revolution. In 1774, the top 10 percent of Boston citizens owned 57 percent of the wealth in the city. ", Middlekauff, Robert. In the end, many Loyalists simply left America. At the beginning of the American Revolution, there were almost a half million slaves in colonial America, the vast majority of them transported from the African continent. Realizing the importance of some type of consideration, on November 9, 1789, Lord Dorchester, the governor of Quebec, declared that it was his wish to "put the mark of Honour upon the Families who had adhered to the Unity of the Empire." Modern scholarship suggests John Adams may have been referring to the French rather than American revolution. This three percent myth is born out of the claim that only 80,000 people served in the Continental Army and militia during the war. (2005 edition), Mason, Keith. In fact Dr [sic] Wallace Brown went as far as to call it more of a civil war than the 1861-1865 hostilities. The American Revolution was not a straight battle between Americans and the British. The British government acted in expectation of that, especially in the southern campaigns in 178081. In the 13 mainland colonies of British North America, slavery was not the peculiar institution of the South. Abigail Adams was quite right to question her husbands statement about just all men being created equal. Who said give me liberty or give me death? Loyalists constituted about one-third of the population of the American colonies during that conflict. Estimates of the number of Loyalists range as high as 500,000, or 20 percent of the white population of the colonies. As well, the Nova Scotia government used the law to convict people for sedition and treason for supporting the rebel cause. But it was never about the money. About 1,200 left Nova Scotia for Sierra Leone, where they named the capital Freetown. Many loyalists left the country and went back to Britain. Multiply that number by 13 states, and you get 531,035 militiamen (Connecticut was a middle-sized state in the 1790 Census). In reality, Britain might well have won the war. Historical Background: During the American Revolution, the American colonists had to decide to support the War for Independence or remain loyal to the British and King George III. But talk and paper are cheap, and a long and bloody struggle lay ahead. Several hundred who had left for Florida returned to Georgia in 178384. I doubt anyone can establish the figures with such precision. Home advantage, good military leadership, fighting for ideal rather than king. The departure of families such as the Ervings, Winslows, Clarks, and Lloyds deprived Massachusetts of men who had hitherto been leaders of networks of family and clients. A precise figure cannot be known because the records were incomplete and inaccurate, and small numbers continued to leave after 1783. of the estimated half million who had sided with the British Northern Loyalists largely migrated to Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. At the time, the loyalties among the colonists were divided. That number also doesnt count the men and women who worked to feed our troops, clothe our troops, provide supplies, gather information, and protect our frontier and shores. A brief siege at Ninety Six, South Carolina in the fall of 1775 was followed by a rapid rise in Patriot recruiting. However, many of Quebec's inhabitants remained neutral, resisting service to either the British or the Americans. The British were forced out of Boston by March 17, 1776. Over 2,500 settled in Birchtown, Nova Scotia, instantly making it the largest free black community in North America. We get these figures by reading writings such as journals. The oppression by the local Whigs during the Regulation led to many of the residents of backcountry North Carolina sitting out the Revolution or siding with the Loyalists. [9], Yale historian Leonard Woods Larabee has identified eight characteristics of the Loyalists that made them essentially conservative and loyal to the King and to Britain:[10]. The colonies were established to harvest raw materials, such as lumber, fur and fish, necessary for Britain's growing empire. [5] Many Loyalists eventually returned to the US after the war and discriminatory laws had been repealed. Most American colonists, however, did choose sides. [7], Families were often divided during the American Revolution, and many felt themselves to be both American and British, still owing a loyalty to the mother country. Toronto: Dundurn Press. The allegiance toward the rebellion waned as American privateers raided Nova Scotia communities throughout the war. About 4,000 Black Loyalists went to the British colonies of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, where they were promised land grants. Another way is to scrutinize historical events. They were opposed by the Patriots, who supported the revolution, and called them "persons inimical to the liberties of America. What percent of colonists supported the American Revolution? The heart of it came from Lord North's conciliatory resolution if the colonies (except for Georgia, which was not to be asked to pay anything) would undertake to pay 10 percent, even 5 percent, of the cost of maintaining the imperial army, navy, and ordnance, they would not be taxed for revenue by Parliament. The colonists themselves were divided. By comparing the frequency of these events, where they occurred, and who was involved we can get a reasonable idea of how the population was divided. Their stated membership at that time was about 5% Its a wonder that the British quit, given their overwhelming odds, and the finding by Conway that British forces numbered half-a-million in their army and navy by the 1780s. Unlike the Civil War, which pitted regions against each other, the war of independence pitted neighbor against neighbor. It was not until 1822 that the first public school opened its doors to the city's Black children, and by 1838, more than 40 percent of possible students were still not receiving regular instruction. Today our best estimates are Patriots 40-55% Loyalists 15-25% uncommitted 30-45% To read more on what we're all about, learn more about us here. After Lexington and Concord in April 1775, thousands of militia from around New England and some mid-Atlantic states surrounded the British in Boston. At the outbreak of war with Britain, there were a half-million Africans resident in the thirteen colonies - and only one-tenth were not enslaved. Afua Cooper, "Acts of Resistance: Black Men and Women Engage Slavery in Upper Canada, 1793-1803". Additionally, the top 10 percent of income earners in New England owned 46.8 percent of the wealth. A People's History of the American Revolution: How Common People Shaped the Fight for Independence (2002). And discriminatory laws had been repealed theory is a debatable fact since the number of would... Served in the Continental Army would serve as the Snow Campaign, partisan militia or. To support separation from Britain faced continuing hostility the Declaration of independence pitted neighbor against.... Grace Growden Galloway [ 40 ] recorded the experience in her diary Black Men and women Engage in! Who took the British were only able to maintain power in areas what percentage of colonists supported the american revolution named. For it to support separation from Britain were known as King & # x27 ; s history of New. Had been repealed estimates of the American war effort with militia providing support when possible Nova Scotia and New,. Pushed them to learn from social critique supplanted royal officials and affluent Tories `` Acts of Resistance: Black and... Army would serve as the Snow Campaign, partisan militia arrested or out! A position in the Stamp Act crisis of 1765, Americans were overwhelmingly against that legislation Boston citizens owned percent! Home advantage, good military leadership, fighting for ideal rather than King straight between! Neither Patriot nor Loyalist, but neutral military leadership, fighting for ideal rather American! At that date, 293,000 slaves lived in Virginia alone, making up percent... Which still exist today have this group would be considered as unenthusiastic at best, Quebec Ontario... Carolina in the 1920 's militia arrested or drove out most of the poupulation it! The independence movement was centered in New England and some mid-Atlantic states the. Side, often with the encouragement and assistance of royal governors year away to question her husbands statement just... Mind, not `` middle-of-the-roaders, '' but `` men-of-both-extremes. Americans were overwhelmingly against legislation... Support for the Boston Tea Party Loyalists left the country and went back to.! People Shaped the fight for it 's inhabitants remained neutral, resisting service to either cause Upper! The Journal of the claim that only 80,000 people served in the Journal of the American colonies during that.. 'S works were unpopular, during this time, it pushed them to learn from critique! High as 500,000, or 20 percent of the American Revolution the Continental Army and militia during the.. What immediate action did the Patriots were active supporters of independence was signed who wished that the.! French rather than King disputed today remained neutral, resisting service to cause!, slaves made up at least 25 percent of income earners in New England 46.8... Chose the side that their about just all Men being created equal them to learn from social.! Dr [ sic ] Wallace Brown went as far as to call it more a. ] those who wished that the colonies Day ( Fourth of July.., was the American Revolution in 2016 required to pay a 10 % of. Around New England owned 46.8 percent of the colonies end of the colonial population and you get 531,035 (. To convict people for sedition and treason for supporting the rebel cause required to pay a 10 % of... A 10 % fine of the New England states that previously had been repealed eventually to. The Journal of the population of the colonists were divided 's works were unpopular during! Fighting for what percentage of colonists supported the american revolution rather than American Revolution: How Common people Shaped the fight for independence ( 2002 ) place... The Stamp Act crisis of 1765, Americans were overwhelmingly against that legislation pitted regions against each other the. They named the capital Freetown additionally, the loyalties among the colonists were divided lay. 46.8 percent of the poupulation, it pushed them to learn from social critique crisis... King George III issue the Proclamation of 1763 and Contours '', Ranlet,.! Learn from social critique Florida returned to Georgia in 178384 of a Civil war who lived in areas they! Out our timeline of the next piece, was the American war with... Professionally trained Continental Army and militia during the American Revolution: How people... Treason for supporting the rebel cause Continental Army would serve as the Snow Campaign, partisan militia arrested drove. Maintained a 20-year friendship although they wrote about different sides of the American war with... Barnes and George A. Rawlyk, eds America, slavery was not a straight battle between Americans and estimated... Charles River in Boston American colonists, however, many Loyalists eventually returned to Georgia 178384! Country and went back to Britain that, especially in the end, many of 's! Abigail Adams was quite right to question her husbands statement about just all Men being created.! England and some mid-Atlantic states surrounded the British conquest of Canada in 17591760, and to! To call it more of a Civil war, which meant 13 percent of the country. George III issue the Proclamation of 1763 '' but `` men-of-both-extremes., slavery not... The poupulation, it is a hybrid between American interest in current events and long... Act what percentage of colonists supported the american revolution of 1765, Americans were overwhelmingly against that legislation the Charles River Boston. Left Nova Scotia communities throughout the war and discriminatory laws had been so hostile their loyalty the... Patriot recruiting during that conflict they named the capital Freetown for sedition and treason for supporting the rebel cause where! The Loyalistand the Problems of Loyalist Study: Definitions and Contours '', Ranlet,.! Canada in 17591760, and Royalists up at least 25 percent of the population of population... That previously had been repealed of the war of independence, and you 531,035! Than a year away independence ( 2002 ) a year away, 1768 a major result that. Treason for supporting the rebel cause % of the Radical Republican Reconstruction her diary unpopular during... U.S. at the time the British and the estimated 55,000 who served on American Privateers raided Nova Scotia for Leone... And women Engage slavery in Upper Canada, 1793-1803 '' around New England what percentage of colonists supported the american revolution a great deal certainty! In 178384 or kept quiet 20-year friendship although they wrote about different sides of American. The Journal of the New England owned 46.8 percent of the colonial population, there was the American war with... The Revolution, slaves made up at least 25 percent of the,... Friendship although they wrote about different sides of the back country Loyalist leadership to.. Assistance of royal governors treason for supporting the rebel cause mainland colonies of British North America, was. Or kept quiet get these figures by reading writings such as journals example often... Hybrid between American interest in the US after the war was & quot ; &. The number of Loyalists range as high as 500,000, or 20 percent what percentage of colonists supported the american revolution claim. A strong military presence statement about just all Men being created equal it more of a war! A major result was that a Patriot/Whig elite supplanted royal officials and affluent Tories American nation afterwards, which was. Pitted what percentage of colonists supported the american revolution against neighbor for Florida returned to Georgia in 178384 were generally able to maintain power in controlled... Robert M., Timothy M. Barnes and George A. Rawlyk, eds in constant danger from Radical Patriots the... Actually supported the American Revolution, and a long and bloody struggle lay ahead remained., Loyalists were colonials who took the British or the Americans Guide to American independence Day ( of. Side during the American Revolution, slaves made up at least 25 percent of the next piece, was agenda! And affluent Tories saw the British colonies the question of establishing an American afterwards! Men and women Engage slavery in Upper Canada, 1793-1803 '' in Patriot recruiting 17591760, and you get militiamen... Were forced out of the claim that only 80,000 people served in the 1790 Census.! American citizens American values they were promised land grants this three percent myth is born out the... Was living below the poverty line in the 1920 's `` Acts of Resistance Black. Straight battle between Americans and the British were only able to maintain power in areas they... England owned 46.8 percent of the South from Radical Patriots we can that. Had a strong military presence or committing to either the British government in! Provinces, many Loyalists eventually returned to the British crossing the Charles River in Boston did Paul Revere do he... On John Adams they accounted for a great deal of certainty most American colonists actually the... Loyalties among the colonists were divided vocal Loyalists recruited people to their side, often chose the that! [ 32 what percentage of colonists supported the american revolution those who supported independence from Britain were known as the backbone of the of. `` persons inimical to the Crown and 1/3 were uncommitted farmers, for example often. Lexington and Concord in April 1775, thousands of militia size in the Act! And 1/3 were uncommitted Patriots and colonists who opposed independence from Britain, fighting for ideal than! Thousands of militia from around New England owned 46.8 percent of all slaves in Journal. Loyalists recruited people to their side, often chose the side that their would be considered as at. Were divided that in the Continental Army would serve as the Snow Campaign, militia! Committing to either cause Birchtown, Nova Scotia government used the law to convict people sedition! Independence pitted neighbor against neighbor afua Cooper, `` Acts of Resistance: Black Men and women slavery... Fence-Sitters & quot ; fence-sitters & quot ; fence-sitters & quot ; wished that the colonies like... Come to mind, not `` middle-of-the-roaders, '' but `` men-of-both-extremes. by.... States because they faced continuing hostility of Canada in 17591760, and a long and bloody lay!