5.4 – Loyalists vs. Patriots

  • Patriots: Supported revolution; mostly from New England and Virginia.

  • Loyalists (Tories): Remained loyal to the Crown; around 20-30% of the population.

    • Many were wealthy, government officials, or lived in the South or NY.

    • Some feared chaos or mob rule if Britain left.

  • This division tore apart families and communities—it was a civil war in many ways.