What is up with loyalists?

By 1775, the movement towards independence had gained traction. Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense,” which put forth the arguments for independence, was published in January 1776 and sold as many as 120,000 copies in the first three months, 500,000 in the first year, and went through twenty-five editions in the first year alone.

However, as many as 15-20% of colonists remained loyal to the English King and opposed to independence. Loyalists were often wealthier people, merchants, or people active in the Anglican Church.

There were also concentrations of Loyalists in certain areas, such as New York and Long Island. Massachusetts was NOT Loyalist territory. Many consider it to be the heart of the Revolution.

Open the Loyalists Primary Sources and Graphic Organizer.