Understanding the Loyalists and Their Opposition to the American Revolution

The American Revolution, an event deeply etched in the history of the United States, saw a significant contrast between those who supported independence and others who remained loyal to the British crown. These loyalists were pushed to a corner by the relentless actions of the Patriots and often found themselves under attack, facing physical and financial ramifications.

Historical Context and Perceptions

One of the most poignant quotes from the period is, "What is better to have one tyrant three thousand miles away or three thousand tyrants one mile away?" This statement, whether attributed to a historical figure or not, truly encapsulates the situation faced by the King's loyalists in the United States. Beginning in the early 1770s, the King's supporters found themselves under siege from the unruly mobs, leading to a climate where speaking in favor of the British could be fatal. Those who dared to voice their support for the crown often faced the harrowing acts of being tarred and feathered, attacked, having their property destroyed, homes destroyed, businesses boycotted, and more. Free speech often became a luxury, as the Patriots' press frequently printed what were known to be outright lies. The Patriots, in turn, engaged in free trade with the French during the Seven Years War and managed to avoid paying taxes on imported goods. Courts dominated by the "Friends of Liberty" offered little to no justice, and some of their actions were even illegal or encouraged.

The Loyalists — A Diverse Group

The American Loyalists were a diverse and widespread group. They came from all walks of life, including different religions, ethnic backgrounds, and social statuses. In a civil war context, divisions like these are common. Civil wars are personal, nasty, and destructive, tearing apart social relationships and often brutal and highly personal in nature. An estimated 40,000 American Loyalists served in British regiments, which might include American Aboriginal allies and freed slaves under British forces. First Nations peoples resented and feared the American colonists for their aggressive land grabbing. For slaves, fleeing their "patriot" masters like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson was a matter of survival. They knew that with the British and Loyalist forces, they would be free from bondage.

The Democrat Party and Loyalist Ideals

Before Karl Marx's The Communist Manifesto in 1848, the Democrat Party, which was founded in the 1830s, was already communist in character, at least in their autocratic controlling statutes. These Democrats were the old Tory or Loyalist Party remnants, seeking to uphold the British Monarchy in America. They came from every occupation but were predominantly businessmen and others engaged in commerce with the British. Their opposition to the American Founding Fathers' "Declaration of Independence" was fierce, and they actively fought against them during the American Revolution. Despite being defeated along with the British army, the Tories or Loyalists never left the Colonies. Their "top-down" governing principles and ideas were not included in the Whig or Patriot Party Founding Fathers' American Constitution. Over time, the Democrats began laying the groundwork and evolving into a perceived utopia of a one-world government, as envisioned by Mr. Marx. They had no faith in the individual citizen to make responsible decisions and believed in absolute necessity for "control" over individuals, regardless of their race.

Conclusion

The Loyalists played a significant role in the American Revolution, and understanding their opposition and the environment they found themselves in is essential for a complete understanding of the events that shaped early America. Whether it was through personal survival or a larger commitment to the maintenance of the British Empire, the motivations and actions of the Loyalists remain a critical element in the historical narrative of the period.