Loyalist (American Revolution) - Motivations of Loyalism

Motivations of Loyalism

Yale historian Leonard Woods Larabee has identified eight characteristics of the Loyalists that made them essentially conservative and loyal to the king and Britain:

• They were older, better established, and resisted radical change.
• They felt that resistance to the Crown—the legitimate government—was morally wrong.
• They were alienated when the Patriots resorted to violence, such as burning houses and tarring and feathering.
• They wanted to take a middle-of-the road position and were angry when forced by the Patriots to declare their opposition.
• They had a long-standing sentimental attachment to Britain (often with business and family links).
• They were cautious and afraid of the chaos stemming from mob rule, which did cost many their property and security after the revolution.
• Some were pessimists who lacked the confidence in the future displayed by the Patriots. Others recalled the dreadful experiences of Scots who rebelled in Scotland and lost their lands when the king won.