Loyalism In Colonial America
Today’s modern American Society consisting of equality and freedom for all did not always exist. The nation was initially defined by the laws and actions of Great Britain, and whether or not to separate from Britain was not decided until 1783. In the early 1760’s, Colonials did nothing more than question the true intention of British policies. These people were searching for a sign that they had a voice in the laws they were to obey. However, as time progressed, the colonials began to develop less passive attitudes. Colonists felt neglected, ignored by the British, and treated like lower class citizens. With time, the majority of the population wanted complete independence from Britain. Radical colonists were fed up with the corruption and
…show more content…
Some Americans developed radical ideals, desiring Independence from Britain. Many of these radicals, commonly referred to as “Patriots”, protested against British legislation using phrases such as “No Taxation Without Representation” to justify their actions. Other Americans who remained loyal to Britain, referred to as “Loyalists”, denounced the actions of the Patriots. Most Loyalists believed that such radical thinking was treason. A portion of political leaders publicly supported Loyalist reasoning, such as the Quaker Leaders. These leaders released a statement to the Pennsylvania Colonial Assembly, which targeted Pennsylvanians of power in order to help grow support for the Loyalist movement. The Quaker Leaders deemed themselves concerned for the peace and welfare of the nation, driving them to “...declare against every usurpation of power and authority in opposition to the laws and government.” In other words, the Quaker Leaders publicly expressed their feelings of disdain for the Patriots and their radical attitude (Document 4). Furthermore, the remaining portion of the Colonial population had their own way of thinking, such as Charles Inglis of New York. Inglis believed that American Independence from Britain would result in further financial issues in the future. He discusses the “burden of annual expense” and how products would be “heavily taxed” to help repay debt to other countries (Document 6). This fear for the future of the American economy was shared by Inglis and countless others of his
Some Americans developed radical ideals, desiring Independence from Britain. Many of these radicals, commonly referred to as “Patriots”, protested against British legislation using phrases such as “No Taxation Without Representation” to justify their actions. Other Americans who remained loyal to Britain, referred to as “Loyalists”, denounced the actions of the Patriots. Most Loyalists believed that such radical thinking was treason. A portion of political leaders publicly supported Loyalist reasoning, such as the Quaker Leaders. These leaders released a statement to the Pennsylvania Colonial Assembly, which targeted Pennsylvanians of power in order to help grow support for the Loyalist movement. The Quaker Leaders deemed themselves concerned for the peace and welfare of the nation, driving them to “...declare against every usurpation of power and authority in opposition to the laws and government.” In other words, the Quaker Leaders publicly expressed their feelings of disdain for the Patriots and their radical attitude (Document 4). Furthermore, the remaining portion of the Colonial population had their own way of thinking, such as Charles Inglis of New York. Inglis believed that American Independence from Britain would result in further financial issues in the future. He discusses the “burden of annual expense” and how products would be “heavily taxed” to help repay debt to other countries (Document 6). This fear for the future of the American economy was shared by Inglis and countless others of his