The Patriots in the American Revolution

Front

What was a patriot?

Back

Someone who wanted the American colonies to gain independence from Britain.

Front

Why did people become patriots?

Back

They felt they weren't being treated fairly by the British and wanted freedom from British rule.

Front

Fill in the blank: Patriots wanted their own country called the _________

Back

United States

Front

Who led the Continental Army and later became the first President of the United States?

Back

George Washington

Front

What was a loyalist?

Back

A loyalist was a person in the American colonies who wanted to stay part of Britain and remain a British citizen. Loyalists were also known as the 'Redcoats' in the American Revolution.

Front

Why did some people remain loyal?

Back

Many people felt that their lives would be better off if the colonies remained under British rule. Some were afraid to go up against the British army, others had business interests in Great Britain, and some thought British rule would be better than patriot rule. Loyalists made up around 20% of the colonist population.

Front

What happened to loyalists during the war?

Back

Life for the loyalists became increasingly difficult during the war. Loyalists who lived in areas controlled by the patriots were in constant danger from radical patriots. Many of them lost their homes and businesses.

Front

What happened to the loyalists after the war?

Back

Many loyalists moved to Great Britain after the war ended. Many lost their fortunes and land. Some were paid by the British government, but usually not as much as they had lost. Few stayed in the new country, although the United States government wanted them to stay.