The United Kingdom is the country that has ruled over many other countries either by annexing them or by bringing them under its rule. It is the country that has ruled most of the countries leaving only 22 territories without its rule. America was also under British rule until it gained independence in 1776.
The American War of Independence has seen people fighting for independence as well as people against independence. The people who stood for independence were the Patriots while the people who stood against independence and with British rule were termed as Loyalists.
Patriots vs Loyalists
The main difference between Patriots and Loyalists is that the Patriots were the people who were in support of the American Colonies to gain independence from the British rule during the American War of Independence. The Loyalists were the people who wanted that the British rule should continue in American Colonies during the American War of Independence.
Comparison Table Between Patriots and Loyalists
What are Patriots?
Patriots in the American War of Independence were the people who stood for the independence of their country and fought for it because they believed that it was their right to remain free. Patriots were also termed as Whigs, Rebels, Colonials and Sons of Liberty.
Patriots were against the taxation system imposed by the British government and they asked the government to give them representation in the parliament if they wanted tax. They also believed that civic rights should be given to the citizens of the country.
In the end, the Patriots won the American War of Independence. Some of the famous patriots include George Washington, John Adams, Ethan Allen, John Paul, Patrick Henry, etc.
What are Loyalists?
Loyalists in the American War of Independence were the people who stood by the British rule and supported it because they believed that it will strengthen them. Loyalists were also known as Tories, Royalists and King’s Men.
Loyalists were in favor of the taxation system of the British Government because they believed that it is necessary for the proper functioning of the central government. They were against giving rights to the citizens.
Loyalists after defeat in the American War of Independence were made to leave America and therefore took refuge in British colonies and other neighboring countries. Some of the Loyalists are Joseph Galloway, John Butler, David Mathews, etc.
Main Differences Between Patriots and Loyalists
- Patriots were the people who stood for the independence of American colonies from British rule while Loyalists were the people who stood with the British rule.
- Patriots believed that independence is their right and it should be given to them while loyalists believed that being under British rule will help them remain unified which is a favorable condition for them.
- Patriots were also known as the Whigs, Rebels, Colonials and Sons of Liberty whereas loyalists were known as Tories, Royalists and King’s Men.
- Patriots were against the taxation system imposed by the British rule whereas Loyalists were in favor of the taxation system because they thought it was important for the central government to function properly.
- Patriots believed that the citizens should be given civic rights including the right to freedom while Loyalists were against giving the rights to the citizens.
- Patriots aimed to gain independence from British rule and protect the rights of the citizens while the loyalists aimed at retaining British rule in America.
- Some of the patriots are George Washington, John Adams, John Paul, Ethan Allen, Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson, etc, on the other hand, some of the loyalists are Joseph Galloway, John Butler, Andrew Allen, David Mathews, Benedict Arnold, etc.
- After the American War of Independence, the Patriots won the freedom for their country and countrymen while loyalists were forced to leave the country and take refuge in the neighboring countries and British colonies.
Conclusion
Patriots and Loyalists were against each other. The difference was in their ideologies since the Patriots believed that being independent is for their betterment and strength while the Loyalists believed that being under British rule and remaining unified will give them strength. However, the patriots won fighting for independence and loyalists who were defeated were forced to leave the country and take refuge in the neighboring countries or British colonies where they were treated badly. Some loyalists also joined the British army or formed their groups of fighters.
References
- https://www.jstor.org/stable/2206445
- https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ164869