Patriot (American Revolution) facts for kids
Patriots were American colonists who wanted to be free from British rule during the American Revolution. They believed that the Thirteen Colonies should become an independent country, which they did in July 1776, creating the United States of America. Their ideas were based on republicanism, which means that the people should govern themselves, not a king. Important thinkers like Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Thomas Paine helped share these ideas. Patriots were against the Loyalists, who wanted to stay part of the British Empire.
Patriots came from all walks of life. They included lawyers like John Adams, students like Alexander Hamilton, and farmers like Daniel Shays. There were also important figures like Crispus Attucks, who was one of the first people to die for the cause. James Armistead Lafayette was a spy for the American army, and Jack Sisson led a brave mission to capture a British general.
Contents
Understanding the Names
Who Were the "Whigs" or "Patriots"?
Before the American Revolution, people who disagreed with British rules for the colonies started calling themselves "Whigs." They used this name because they felt connected to a political group in Britain called the Whig party, who also supported similar ideas for the colonies. The word "patriot" at that time could sometimes mean someone who caused trouble for the government, but it later became a proud name for those fighting for American freedom.
Who Were the "Tories" or "Loyalists"?
Before the Revolution, colonists who supported the British government often called themselves "Tories." This name came from a political group in Great Britain that believed in traditional ways and supporting the king. During the Revolution, these people became known as "Loyalists" because they stayed loyal to Britain. After the war, about 15% of Loyalists moved north to Canada, where they were called United Empire Loyalists. However, most Loyalists (about 85%) chose to stay in the new United States and became American citizens.
Their Impact and Numbers
Many Patriots were active in groups like the Sons of Liberty even before the fighting began in 1775. The most important leaders are now known as the Founding Fathers. These individuals came from many different backgrounds across the Thirteen Colonies.
Historians believe that about 40 to 45 percent of the white population in the Thirteen Colonies supported the Patriots. Around 15 to 20 percent were Loyalists, and the rest either stayed neutral or tried to avoid taking sides. Most Loyalists remained in America after the war, while a smaller number moved to Canada, Britain, or other British territories.
Why They Fought
Patriots vs. Loyalists: Different Views
Historians have looked closely at why people chose to be a Patriot or a Loyalist. One historian, Leonard Woods Labaree, found some key differences:
- Loyalists were often older and more settled. They were less likely to want big changes than Patriots.
- Loyalists believed the British King and government were rightful rulers, and that going against them was wrong. Patriots felt that the British government had taken away their rights as Englishmen, so they were fighting for what was right.
- Some people became Loyalists if they saw British officials being attacked. Others became Patriots if they were upset by how harshly Britain reacted to events like the Boston Tea Party.
- Merchants who had strong business ties to Britain often stayed loyal. Patriots usually did not have such deep connections to the British system.
- Some Loyalists felt that independence would happen eventually but wanted to wait. Patriots wanted to act right away.
- Loyalists were careful and worried about chaos or a harsh government if the colonies broke away. Patriots were determined to stand up to the British government.
- Finally, Loyalists were often less hopeful about the future, while Patriots were confident that independence was possible.
Patriots and Taxes
A major reason Patriots fought was because they believed in "No taxation without representation!" This meant they did not want to pay taxes decided by the British Parliament, where they had no representatives to speak for them. The British argued that Parliament represented all citizens of the British Empire, even those in the colonies.
Some Patriots said they were loyal to the King, but they insisted they should be able to manage their own affairs. They had been doing this for a long time, especially during a period called "salutary neglect" before the French and Indian War. Some radical Patriots strongly protested tax collectors and customs officers, making those jobs very difficult.
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