Loyalists During the American Revolution: Their Goals and Aspirations

Introduction

The American Revolution marked a pivotal moment in history, with tensions between the American colonies and Great Britain escalating into a full-scale war. While the Patriots were fighting for independence and a new form of democratic governance, the Loyalists had different aspirations. They aimed to maintain the status quo and remain subjects of the British Empire.

What Loyalists Desired

The Loyalists were not inherently against British policies but were content with the existing relationship with the Crown. For them, it was a matter of preserving their British identity and avoiding the upheaval brought on by the revolution. Their primary goal was to preserve the current state of affairs and maintain their status as British citizens.

Maintaining the Status Quo

Many Loyalists saw the British Empire as a bastion of stability and tradition. They believed that the best way to achieve their goals was by remaining loyal to the Crown and supporting British governance. Some even viewed the British government's policies, such as taxation levels, as not overly burdensome.

Key Issues for Loyalists

Besides maintaining their status as British citizens, Loyalists had specific issues they wanted to address:

Westward Expansion: They supported the British government's stance on westward expansion, which restricted settlement beyond the Appalachian Mountains. This stance was not well-received by other colonists who were eager to expand westward. Chattel Slavery: The Loyalists also had strong ties to the institution of slavery. Many owned enslaved people, and the potential abolition of slavery threatened their economic and social positions.

Specifically, the British government's policies, such as the Proclamation of 1763, which restricted settlement west of the Appalachian Mountains, were seen as protective by Loyalists. In contrast, the Somersett decision, which freed an enslaved person in England and had repercussions across the British Empire, threatened the legal status of enslaved individuals in America, leading to doubts among Loyalists about the stability of the British governance they supported.

The Long Struggle

The struggle for Loyalists extended beyond just the political and economic issues. They faced the challenge of enduring a long and brutal war. While many Loyalists fought for the British cause, they also hoped for a peaceful resolution and reconciliation with the British Crown. They were eager to see the end of hostilities and the restoration of the monarchical governance that they believed could bring stability to their lives.

Support for the Monarchy

While Loyalists supported the British Empire and its policies, their loyalty was not solely based on economic or political reasons. Many were motivated by their deep support for the monarchy and its authoritarian policies. They believed that under British rule, they could achieve a semblance of order and continuity, which they saw as essential for the preservation of their way of life.

It's important to note that not all Loyalists were adherents of the monarchy or authoritarianism. However, the majority were indeed motivated by their support for the Crown and its governance. Their desire was to preserve the status quo and avoid the uncharted path that a new, independent American government might bring.

Conclusion

The Loyalists of the American Revolution had complex and varied motivations. They wanted to remain British citizens and maintain the status quo, supporting westward expansion and the institution of slavery. While their goals were to preserve their British identity and the stability of the Empire, the reality of the revolution posed challenges they had to overcome. Understanding the aspirations and concerns of Loyalists provides a deeper appreciation of the complexities and nuances of this critical period in American history.