Who were the Patriots during the American Revolution?

Patriots, also known by various names such as Revolutionaries, Continentals, Rebels, or Whigs, were colonists residing in the Thirteen Colonies who actively opposed the control and governance of the Kingdom of Great Britain during the colonial era. They were instrumental in supporting and launching the American Revolution, which ultimately led to the establishment of American independence.

What was the primary objective of Patriot politicians in the lead-up to the American Revolution?

Patriot politicians spearheaded colonial opposition to British policies concerning the American colonies. Their primary objective was to build support for and ultimately achieve the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, a document that formally declared the colonies' separation from British rule.

When was the Declaration of Independence adopted, and by whom?

The Declaration of Independence was unanimously adopted by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. This pivotal document articulated the colonies' grievances against British rule and their assertion of independence.

What role did Patriots play after the American Revolutionary War began in 1775?

After the American Revolutionary War commenced in 1775, many Patriots assimilated into the Continental Army. This army was commanded by George Washington and was responsible for securing victory against the British Army, a crucial step towards American independence.

What was the ultimate outcome of the American Revolutionary War for the British and the colonies?

The Continental Army's victory against the British Army led the British to conclude their involvement in the war. This resulted in their acknowledgment of the sovereign independence of the colonies, a recognition formalized in the Treaty of Paris, which subsequently led to the formation of the United States in 1783.

What intellectual and political ideologies inspired the Patriots?

The Patriots drew inspiration from English and American republican ideology, which was a significant component of the Age of Enlightenment. This intellectual movement emphasized reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority, influencing their views on governance and rights.

Which political systems did the Patriots reject?

The Patriots firmly rejected monarchy and aristocracy, systems of government where power is held by a single ruler or a privileged class, respectively. Their republican ideals favored a government based on the consent of the governed.

What fundamental rights did the Patriots advocate for?

The Patriots advocated for individual liberty, which is the freedom to act and think as one chooses, and natural and legal rights, which are inherent rights belonging to all people and those established by law, respectively.

Who were some of the prominent Patriot political theorists who spearheaded the American Enlightenment?

Prominent Patriot political theorists included Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Thomas Paine. These figures were central to the American Enlightenment, an intellectual movement in the American colonies that applied European Enlightenment ideas to the American context.

Which European thinkers influenced the American Enlightenment?

The American Enlightenment was inspired by European thinkers such as Francis Bacon, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau. These philosophers contributed significantly to ideas about natural rights, social contract theory, and the separation of powers, which were foundational to Patriot thought.

How did the issue of slavery divide Patriots during the American Revolution?

Despite the existence of slavery in all Thirteen Colonies before the American Revolution, the issue created a division among Patriots. Some supported its abolition, advocating for the end of the practice, while others espoused proslavery thought, defending its continuation.

What was the general demographic composition of the Patriot movement?

The Patriot movement included members from every social and ethnic group across the colonies, representing a broad cross-section of the population. This indicates that support for independence was not confined to a single demographic.

In which colonial regions was support for the Patriot cause strongest and weakest?

Support for the Patriot cause was strongest in the New England Colonies, known for their early resistance to British policies, and weakest in the Southern Colonies, where economic ties to Britain and concerns about social order often led to greater Loyalist sentiment.

How did the American Revolution categorize the colonial population?

The American Revolution divided the colonial population into three main groups: Patriots, who sought an end to British rule; Loyalists, who desired Britain's continued control over the colonies; and those who remained neutral, choosing not to take an active side in the conflict.

What were African Americans who supported the Patriots called?

African Americans who supported the Patriots were known as Black Patriots. They contributed to the revolutionary cause, often with the hope of gaining freedom or better rights.

What were African Americans who supported the British called?

African Americans who supported the British side were referred to as Black Loyalists. Many were promised freedom by the British in exchange for their service.

What term did critics of British policy in the Thirteen Colonies use for themselves after 1768?

After 1768, critics of British policy towards the Thirteen Colonies referred to themselves as 'Whigs.' This term identified them with members of the British Whig party who held similar views regarding colonial policies.

What negative connotation did the word 'patriot' carry at the time of the American Revolution, according to Samuel Johnson?

According to Samuel Johnson, at the time of the American Revolution, the word 'patriot' had a negative connotation. It was used as a derogatory term for 'a factious disturber of the government,' implying someone who caused trouble or dissension against the established authority.

What terms did colonists who supported British authority use before and during the American Revolution?

Prior to the American Revolution, colonists who supported British authority called themselves Tories or royalists, aligning with traditionalist conservatism in Great Britain. During the Revolution, these individuals became primarily known as Loyalists.

What happened to Loyalists after the American Revolution?

After the American Revolution, approximately 15% of Loyalists emigrated north to the remaining British territories in the Canadas, where they identified as United Empire Loyalists. However, the vast majority, about 85%, chose to remain in the newly formed United States and were granted American citizenship.

What groups were many Patriots active in before the formal start of the American Revolution?

Prior to the formal beginning of the American Revolution, many Patriots were active in groups such as the Sons of Liberty. These organizations played a crucial role in organizing colonial resistance against British policies.

Who are generally defined as the Founding Fathers?

The Founding Fathers are generally defined as the 56 men who, as delegates to the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia, signed the Declaration of Independence. These individuals are recognized for their pivotal roles in the founding of the United States.

What was the approximate distribution of political loyalties among the white population in the Thirteen Colonies during the American Revolution?

Roughly 40 to 45 percent of the white population in the Thirteen Colonies supported the Patriots' cause. Between 15 and 20 percent supported the Loyalists, while the remaining portion either remained neutral or kept their loyalties discreet.

Where did Loyalists flee if they chose to leave the Thirteen Colonies during the American Revolution?

A minority of Loyalists who did not remain in the Thirteen Colonies during the American Revolution fled to various locations, including Canada, Great Britain, Florida, or the West Indies, seeking refuge under British rule.

According to Yale historian Leonard Woods Labaree, what were some key characteristics that differentiated Loyalists from Patriots?

Leonard Woods Labaree identified several characteristics differentiating Loyalists from Patriots. Loyalists tended to be older, more established, and more resistant to innovation. They viewed the Crown as the legitimate government, considering resistance morally wrong, and were often alienated by physical attacks on Royal officials. Merchants with strong financial ties to Britain were also more likely to remain loyal. Labaree also described Loyalists as 'procrastinators' who wished to postpone independence, cautious individuals fearful of anarchy, and pessimists lacking confidence in independence.

What was the Patriots' core argument against British taxation policies?

The Patriots' core argument against British taxation policies was encapsulated in their slogan, 'No taxation without representation.' They rejected taxes imposed by legislatures, specifically the British Parliament, in which the taxpayers from the colonies had no direct representation.

How did the British government counter the Patriots' argument regarding taxation without representation?

The British government countered the Patriots' argument by asserting the concept of 'virtual representation.' This meant that all members of Parliament, regardless of their specific constituency, were believed to represent the interests of all citizens across the British Empire, including those in the colonies.

What was 'salutary neglect,' and how did it influence the Patriots' desire for self-governance?

'Salutary neglect' was a British policy of loosely enforcing laws in the American colonies, particularly trade laws, which existed before the French and Indian War. This period allowed the colonies to largely run their own affairs, fostering a sense of self-governance that Patriots insisted should continue, leading to their demand for autonomy.

What extreme tactic did some radical Patriots employ against tax collectors and customs officers?

Some radical Patriots resorted to tarring and feathering tax collectors and customs officers. This brutal public humiliation made these positions dangerous and served as a violent form of protest against British authority and taxation.

In which city was the practice of tarring and feathering particularly prevalent among Patriots?

According to Benjamin Irvin, the practice of tarring and feathering was especially prevalent in Boston, a city known for its strong Patriot presence and significant acts of resistance against British rule, such as the Boston Tea Party.

What does the 1875 portrait by Archibald Willard depict in relation to the American Revolution?

The source material references an 1875 portrait by Archibald Willard, which depicts a group of patriots during the American Revolutionary War. This artwork visually represents the spirit and participants of the American struggle for independence.

What was the moral justification for the Patriots' resistance to British rule, according to Labaree?

According to Leonard Woods Labaree, Patriots felt that morality was on their side because they believed the British government had violated the constitutional rights of Englishmen. This perception of violated rights provided a strong moral foundation for their resistance.

How did the Patriots' response to British actions, such as the Boston Tea Party, differ from the Loyalists' response to attacks on Royal officials?

Men who were offended by British responses to actions like the Boston Tea Party became Patriots, viewing these responses as further infringements on their rights. Conversely, those alienated by physical attacks on Royal officials tended to take the Loyalist position, upholding the authority of the Crown.

What was the difference in financial attachments to Britain between Loyalists and Patriots?

Merchants in port cities who had long-standing financial attachments to Britain were more likely to remain loyal to the Crown. In contrast, few Patriots were as deeply enmeshed in the British economic system, suggesting that economic independence was a factor in their stance.

How did the Patriots' approach to independence differ from that of the 'procrastinating' Loyalists?

According to Labaree, some Loyalists were 'procrastinators' who believed independence was inevitable but wished to 'postpone the moment.' In contrast, Patriots were driven by a desire to 'seize the moment,' actively pursuing immediate independence rather than delaying it.

What concerns did Loyalists have about the potential consequences of mob rule, which differed from the Patriots' systematic efforts?

Loyalists were cautious and expressed fear of anarchy or tyranny that might arise from mob rule, preferring stability under British authority. Patriots, however, made a systematic effort to take a stand against the British government, indicating a willingness to challenge the status quo despite potential disorder.

What was the difference in outlook between Loyalists and Patriots regarding the future of the colonies?

Labaree argues that Loyalists were generally pessimists who lacked the confidence that independence lay ahead. Patriots, on the other hand, possessed a more optimistic outlook and a strong belief in the eventual success of their quest for independence.

What was the name of the treaty that formally ended the American Revolutionary War and acknowledged the independence of the colonies?

The Treaty of Paris, signed in 1783, formally ended the American Revolutionary War. This treaty was crucial as it led to the British acknowledging the sovereign independence of the Thirteen Colonies, paving the way for the formation of the United States.

What was the name of the army commanded by George Washington that secured victory against the British?

The Continental Army, commanded by George Washington, was the military force that ultimately secured victory against the British Army during the American Revolutionary War. This army was largely composed of Patriots who had assimilated into its ranks.

What was the political philosophy of traditionalist conservatism, with which Tories or royalists identified?

Tories or royalists identified with the political philosophy of traditionalist conservatism, which emphasizes the value of established institutions, customs, and traditions. This philosophy generally supports maintaining the existing social and political order, including loyalty to the monarchy.

What was the significance of Philadelphia in relation to the Founding Fathers?

Philadelphia was the city where the Second Continental Congress convened, and it was there that the 56 men generally defined as the Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence. This made Philadelphia a central location for the revolutionary movement.

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Defining the Patriot

Advocates for Independence

Patriots were the colonists within the Thirteen Colonies who actively opposed the governance and control exerted by the Kingdom of Great Britain during the colonial era. Their collective efforts were instrumental in initiating and sustaining the American Revolution, a movement that ultimately culminated in the establishment of American independence. These individuals are also recognized by various appellations, including Revolutionaries, Continentals, Rebels, or Whigs.

Architects of a New Nation

Leading Patriot politicians skillfully galvanized colonial opposition to British policies, building widespread support for the monumental decision to adopt the Declaration of Independence. This pivotal document was unanimously approved by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. Following the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War in 1775, many Patriots integrated into the Continental Army, under the command of General George Washington, securing victory against the British Army. This triumph led to the Treaty of Paris in 1783, formally acknowledging the sovereign independence of the colonies and paving the way for the formation of the United States.

Enlightenment Ideals

The philosophical underpinnings of the Patriot movement were deeply rooted in the republican ideologies prevalent in both England and America, which themselves were products of the Age of Enlightenment. Patriots fundamentally rejected the principles of monarchy and aristocracy, instead championing individual liberty, natural rights, and legal rights. Influential Patriot political theorists such as Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Thomas Paine were at the forefront of the American Enlightenment, drawing inspiration from European intellectual giants like Francis Bacon, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau.

The Paradox of Slavery

Despite the revolutionary rhetoric of liberty and equality, the institution of slavery was deeply entrenched across all Thirteen Colonies prior to the American Revolution. This complex issue created significant internal divisions among Patriots. While some advocated for the abolition of slavery, aligning their actions with the broader ideals of freedom, others staunchly defended proslavery thought, highlighting a profound ideological inconsistency within the nascent nation's foundational principles.

Revolutionary Terminology

Whigs and Patriots

The critics of British policy toward the Thirteen Colonies began to refer to themselves as "Whigs" after 1768. This self-identification linked them to members of the British Whig party who held similar views regarding colonial policies. Interestingly, at the time, the term "patriot" itself carried a negative connotation, as noted by Samuel Johnson, who described it as an epithet for "a factious disturber of the government." This historical context reveals the evolving perception and political charge of these terms during the revolutionary period.

Loyalists and Tories

Conversely, colonists who maintained their allegiance to British authority before the American Revolution identified themselves as "Tories" or "royalists." These individuals aligned with the political philosophy of traditionalist conservatism prevalent in Great Britain. During the American Revolution, they became primarily known as Loyalists. Following the war, a minority, approximately 15%, emigrated north to remaining British territories in the Canadas, where they were known as the United Empire Loyalists. However, the vast majority, about 85% of Loyalists, chose to remain in the newly formed United States and were subsequently granted American citizenship.

Composition of the Movement

Early Activism and Leadership

Before the formal commencement of the American Revolution, many Patriots were actively involved in various organized groups, most notably the Sons of Liberty. These organizations played a crucial role in galvanizing public sentiment against British rule. The most prominent leaders of the Patriot cause are historically recognized today as the Founding Fathers, a group generally defined as the 56 delegates to the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia who signed the Declaration of Independence, thereby committing to the revolutionary cause.

A Diverse Colonial Cross-Section

The Patriot movement drew its strength from a broad cross-section of the population across the Thirteen Colonies, encompassing individuals from diverse social and ethnic backgrounds. Historical estimates suggest that approximately 40 to 45 percent of the white population in the Thirteen Colonies actively supported the Patriot cause. In contrast, between 15 and 20 percent remained loyal to the British Crown, while the remaining portion of the population either maintained neutrality or kept their political allegiances discreet. The majority of Loyalists chose to remain in the newly formed United States after the Revolution, though a significant minority sought refuge in Canada, Great Britain, Florida, or the West Indies.

Black Patriots

African Americans also played a role in the American Revolution, with those who supported the Patriot cause being known as Black Patriots. Their contributions, often in exchange for promises of freedom, were vital to the revolutionary effort. Conversely, African Americans who sided with the British were referred to as Black Loyalists, often motivated by the British promise of emancipation for those who served their cause. This highlights the complex and often contradictory nature of freedom and allegiance during this transformative period.

Driving Forces and Ideologies

Divergent Personalities and Principles

Historians have meticulously examined the complex motivations that compelled individuals to align with either the Patriot or Loyalist cause. Yale historian Leonard Woods Labaree identified eight key characteristics that distinguished these two groups, offering a nuanced understanding of their choices:

Age and Establishment: Loyalists generally tended to be older, more established within colonial society, and more resistant to radical innovation compared to their Patriot counterparts.
Governmental Legitimacy: Loyalists firmly believed in the legitimacy of the British Crown and viewed resistance as morally reprehensible. Patriots, however, contended that the British government had fundamentally violated the constitutional rights traditionally afforded to Englishmen, thus placing morality on their side.
Response to Actions: Individuals alienated by physical attacks on Royal officials often adopted a Loyalist stance. Conversely, those deeply offended by British reactions to events such as the Boston Tea Party were more inclined to become Patriots.
Financial Entanglements: Merchants in port cities with significant, long-standing financial ties to Britain were more likely to remain loyal. Few Patriots were similarly deeply integrated into the British economic system.
Timing of Independence: Some Loyalists were characterized as "procrastinators," believing that independence was an inevitable future event but wishing to "postpone the moment." Patriots, in stark contrast, were driven by a desire to "seize the moment" for immediate change.
Fear of Anarchy vs. Stand Against Oppression: Loyalists were often cautious, fearing the potential for anarchy or tyranny that might arise from mob rule. Patriots, on the other hand, made a systematic and determined effort to take a stand against what they perceived as an oppressive British government.
Optimism vs. Pessimism: Labaree suggests that Loyalists were generally more pessimistic, lacking the Patriots' inherent confidence that independence was an achievable and desirable future.

No Taxation Without Representation

A central tenet of the Patriot movement was the vehement rejection of taxes imposed by legislatures in which the taxpayers themselves lacked direct representation. Their rallying cry, "No taxation without representation," encapsulated their grievance against the British Parliament, where colonial interests were not directly represented. The British government countered this argument with the concept of "virtual representation," asserting that all members of Parliament inherently represented the interests of all citizens across the British Empire, regardless of direct election.

Many Patriots initially declared loyalty to the King but insisted on the right to manage their own internal affairs, a practice they had largely enjoyed during the period of "salutary neglect" prior to the French and Indian War. The intensity of Patriot sentiment sometimes manifested in radical actions; for instance, Benjamin Irvin notes that the practice of tarring and feathering tax collectors and customs officers was particularly prevalent in Boston, rendering these positions perilous and underscoring the depth of colonial resentment.

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References

On patriots see Edwin G. Burrows and Michael Wallace, "The American Revolution: The Ideology and Psychology of National Liberation," Perspectives in American History, (1972) vol. 6 pp. 167â306

A full list of references for this article are available at the Patriot (American Revolution) Wikipedia page

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This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not definitive historical scholarship. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for rigorous academic research, peer-reviewed historical texts, or consultation with professional historians. Always refer to primary sources and established historical scholarship for comprehensive and authoritative understanding of the American Revolution and its participants. Never disregard professional academic advice because of something you have read on this website.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Echoes of Liberty

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Defining the Patriot 🗽

🤝 Advocates for Independence

🏛️ Architects of a New Nation

💡 Enlightenment Ideals

⚖️ The Paradox of Slavery

Revolutionary Terminology 🗣️

🇬🇧 Whigs and Patriots

👑 Loyalists and Tories

Composition of the Movement 👥

🌟 Early Activism and Leadership

🗺️ A Diverse Colonial Cross-Section

✊🏿 Black Patriots

Driving Forces and Ideologies 🧠

🧐 Divergent Personalities and Principles

💸 No Taxation Without Representation

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Defining the Patriot

Advocates for Independence

Architects of a New Nation

Enlightenment Ideals

The Paradox of Slavery

Revolutionary Terminology

Whigs and Patriots

Loyalists and Tories

Composition of the Movement

Early Activism and Leadership

A Diverse Colonial Cross-Section

Black Patriots

Driving Forces and Ideologies

Divergent Personalities and Principles

No Taxation Without Representation

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice