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'''Loyalists''' were colonists who remained loyal subjects of the British crown as the thirteen American colonies declared independence in 1776 and became the United States of America. Loyalists refused to support independence, and sometimes joined Loyalist regiments set up by the British to defeat the [[American Revolution]]. Loyalists at the time were also called '''[[Tories]]''', '''King's Men,''' or '''Royalists.''' Those Loyalists who left and resettled in [[Canada]] called themselves the [[United Empire Loyalists]]. Their colonial opponents, who supported the Revolution, were called Patriots, Whigs, Rebels, Congress Men, or, in view of their loyalty to the new United States of America, just Americans.  Historians have estimated that about 15-20% of the white population may have been Loyalists (that is, about 500,000), but there are no exact numbers. <ref> An 1813 statement by [[John Adams]], in which he said that one-third of the people supported the revolution, refers to the '''French''' revolution in the 1790s.[http://hnn.us/articles/5641.html] </ref>

'''Loyalists''' were colonists who remained loyal subjects of the British crown as the thirteen American colonies declared independence in 1776 and became the United States of America. Loyalists refused to support independence, and sometimes joined Loyalist regiments set up by the British to defeat the [[American Revolution]]. Loyalists at the time were also called '''[[Tories]]''', '''King's Men,''' or '''Royalists.''' Those Loyalists who left and resettled in [[Canada]] called themselves the [[United Empire Loyalists]]. Their colonial opponents, who supported the Revolution, were called Patriots, Whigs, Rebels, Congress Men, or, in view of their loyalty to the new United States of America, just Americans.  Historians have estimated that about 15-20% of the white population may have been Loyalists (that is, about 500,000), but there are no exact numbers.<ref>An 1813 statement by [[John Adams]], in which he said that one-third of the people supported the revolution, refers to the '''French''' revolution in the 1790s.[http://hnn.us/articles/5641.html]</ref>

The Loyalists were conservatives who rejected the radicalism of the new nation; those who went to Canada resisted democracy there and became famous for their loyalty to the British crown, their admiration of royalty and aristocracy, and their anti-Americanism.  The great majority of Loyalists remained in the United States, but their political beliefs had very little or no impact on the anti-aristocratic [[republicanism]] that became central to American values.

The Loyalists were conservatives who rejected the radicalism of the new nation; those who went to Canada resisted democracy there and became famous for their loyalty to the British crown, their admiration of royalty and aristocracy, and their anti-Americanism.  The great majority of Loyalists remained in the United States, but their political beliefs had very little or no impact on the anti-aristocratic [[republicanism]] that became central to American values.

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Loyalists who went into exile lost all the property left behind, but were compensated by British claims procedures.  Britain paid the Loyalists ₤3 million or about 37% of their reported losses. Loyalists who stayed in the U.S. retained their property. <ref>The Americans promised in the peace treaty to recommend that states redress the losses, but that seldom happened. Jack P. Greene and J. R. Pole, eds, ''A Companion to the American Revolution'' (2004) pp. 246, 399, 641-2</ref>  

Loyalists who went into exile lost all the property left behind, but were compensated by British claims procedures.  Britain paid the Loyalists ₤3 million or about 37% of their reported losses. Loyalists who stayed in the U.S. retained their property.<ref>The Americans promised in the peace treaty to recommend that states redress the losses, but that seldom happened. Jack P. Greene and J. R. Pole, eds, ''A Companion to the American Revolution'' (2004) pp. 246, 399, 641-2</ref>  

After Britain's defeat in 1783, Seabury remained in America and declared his loyalty to the new nation, as did over 75% of the Loyalists. Indeed, he became the first Episcopal bishop in America.  From the Loyalist perspective in 1775, the Loyalists were the honorable ones who stood by the Crown and the British Empire.  However once independence was declared in 1776 Loyalists who continued to support the Crown were treated by the Patriots as traitors who turned against their fellow citizens and collaborated with a foreign army.

After Britain's defeat in 1783, Seabury remained in America and declared his loyalty to the new nation, as did over 75% of the Loyalists. Indeed, he became the first Episcopal bishop in America.  From the Loyalist perspective in 1775, the Loyalists were the honorable ones who stood by the Crown and the British Empire.  However once independence was declared in 1776 Loyalists who continued to support the Crown were treated by the Patriots as traitors who turned against their fellow citizens and collaborated with a foreign army.

The departure of so many royal officials, rich merchants and landed gentry destroyed the hierarchical networks that had dominated most of the colonies. In New York, the departure of key members of the DeLancy, DePester Walton and Cruger families undercut the interlocking families that largely owned and controlled the Hudson Valley.  Likewise in Pennsylvania, the departure of powerful families--Penn, Allen, Chew, Shippen--destroyed the cohesion of the old upper class there.  New men became rich merchants but they shared a spirit of republican equality that replaced the elitism and the Americans never recreated such a powerful upper class.  One rich patriot in Boston noted in 1779 that "fellows who would have cleaned my shoes five years ago, have amassed fortunes and are riding in chariots."<Ref> Gordon Wood, ''The radicalism of the American Revolution'' (1991) pp. 176-77; quote on p 177.</ref>

The departure of so many royal officials, rich merchants and landed gentry destroyed the hierarchical networks that had dominated most of the colonies. In New York, the departure of key members of the DeLancy, DePester Walton and Cruger families undercut the interlocking families that largely owned and controlled the Hudson Valley.  Likewise in Pennsylvania, the departure of powerful families—Penn, Allen, Chew, Shippen—destroyed the cohesion of the old upper class there.  New men became rich merchants but they shared a spirit of republican equality that replaced the elitism and the Americans never recreated such a powerful upper class.  One rich patriot in Boston noted in 1779 that "fellows who would have cleaned my shoes five years ago, have amassed fortunes and are riding in chariots."<ref>Gordon Wood, ''The radicalism of the American Revolution'' (1991) pp. 176-77; quote on p 177.</ref>

==Loyalists in wartime==

==Loyalists in wartime==

By July 4, 1776, the Patriots controlled virtually all of the territory and population of the 13 states, and demanded that no resident show loyalty to a foreign power. Neutrality was permitted. The British however returned and in September, 1776, they defeated the American army and captured New York City and Long Island, which they occupied until 1783.  From time to time they controlled various cities such as Boston (1775–6), Philadelphia (1777), Savannah (1778–83) and Charleston (1780–82), and various slices of countryside.  However, 90% of the population lived outside the cities.  The result was that the American state governments controlled 80–95% of the population.  The British pulled out all their governors and never allowed the Loyalists to set up any government. Britain did briefly reestablish its colonial governor in coastal Georgia<ref> See[http://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/nge/Article.jsp?id=h-2709  Georgia Encyclopædia].</ref> 1779–82, with the Rebels in control upstate.  Elsewhere, the British were normally only in control through Army and Royal Navy activity.

By July 4, 1776, the Patriots controlled virtually all of the territory and population of the 13 states, and demanded that no resident show loyalty to a foreign power. Neutrality was permitted. The British however returned and in September, 1776, they defeated the American army and captured New York City and Long Island, which they occupied until 1783.  From time to time they controlled various cities such as Boston (1775–6), Philadelphia (1777), Savannah (1778–83) and Charleston (1780–82), and various slices of countryside.  However, 90% of the population lived outside the cities.  The result was that the American state governments controlled 80–95% of the population.  The British pulled out all their governors and never allowed the Loyalists to set up any government. Britain did briefly reestablish its colonial governor in coastal Georgia<ref>See [http://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/nge/Article.jsp?id=h-2709  Georgia Encyclopædia].</ref> 1779–82, with the Rebels in control upstate.  Elsewhere, the British were normally only in control through Army and Royal Navy activity.

===Loyalism in Canada===

===Loyalism in Canada===

In Canada, American agents were active, especially John Brown, agent of the Boston Committee of Correspondence, along with Canadian-American merchant Thomas Walker and others, during the winter of 1774–5. They won many inhabitants to sympathize with Congress.  However others — probably a majority — remained neutral and refused to join the militia which the British had called out to protect against the American invasion in late 1775. Only a minority expressed loyalty to King George: about 1500 militia fought for the King in defense of Montreal.  In the region south of Montreal occupied by the Americans, the inhabitants supported the Americans and raised two regiments to join them.<ref> Wade, ''The French Canadians'' (1955) 1:67–9.</ref>  In Nova Scotia, with a large Yankee settlement but a powerful British naval base, neutrality prevailed.

In Canada, American agents were active, especially John Brown, agent of the Boston Committee of Correspondence, along with Canadian-American merchant Thomas Walker and others, during the winter of 1774–5. They won many inhabitants to sympathize with Congress.  However others — probably a majority — remained neutral and refused to join the militia which the British had called out to protect against the American invasion in late 1775. Only a minority expressed loyalty to King George: about 1500 militia fought for the King in defense of Montreal.  In the region south of Montreal occupied by the Americans, the inhabitants supported the Americans and raised two regiments to join them.<ref>Wade, ''The French Canadians'' (1955) 1:67–9.</ref>  In Nova Scotia, with a large Yankee settlement but a powerful British naval base, neutrality prevailed.

===Loyalists in the Thirteen States===  

===Loyalists in the Thirteen States===  

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Approximately half the colonists tried to avoid involvement in the struggle — some of them like the Shakers were explicit pacifists, others were recent emigrants, and many more were simple apolitical folk. The patriots received active support from perhaps 40 to 50% of the people.<ref> Robert M. Calhoon, in ''A companion to the American Revolution'', 2000; p 235.</ref>  

Approximately half the colonists tried to avoid involvement in the struggle — some of them like the Shakers were explicit pacifists, others were recent emigrants, and many more were simple apolitical folk. The patriots received active support from perhaps 40 to 50% of the people.<ref>Robert M. Calhoon, in ''A companion to the American Revolution'', 2000; p 235.</ref>  

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In 1775 Royal Governor Dunmore in Virginia called on slaves of Patriot owners (not Loyalist owners) to flee and join his army. About 300 did so. They fought one battle, wearing the motto "Liberty to Slaves." After the battle about half died of disease in British camps and the "Ethiopian Regiment" was disbanded.<ref>McDonnell in ''A Companion to the American revolution'', (2000), ch 43; Calhoun in ibid. p. 241.  Simon Schama, ''Rough Crossings: Britain, the Slaves and the American Revolution'' (2006); [http://www.gov.ns.ca/nsarm/virtual/africanns/ch2.asp]; [http://collections.ic.gc.ca/blackloyalists/  Black Loyalists]; [http://www.americanrevolution.org/blk.html  Black Loyalists] at American Revolution.</ref>

In 1775 Royal Governor Dunmore in Virginia called on slaves of Patriot owners (not Loyalist owners) to flee and join his army. About 300 did so. They fought one battle, wearing the motto "Liberty to Slaves." After the battle about half died of disease in British camps and the "Ethiopian Regiment" was disbanded.<ref>McDonnell in ''A Companion to the American revolution'', (2000), ch 43; Calhoun in ibid. p. 241.  Simon Schama, ''Rough Crossings: Britain, the Slaves and the American Revolution'' (2006); [http://www.gov.ns.ca/nsarm/virtual/africanns/ch2.asp]; [http://collections.ic.gc.ca/blackloyalists/  Black Loyalists]; [http://www.americanrevolution.org/blk.html  Black Loyalists] at American Revolution.</ref>

About 5000 blacks served in the Continental army. Slaves who fought in that Army for a set period were usually legally emancipated. Thousands more served in militia and state units. Very few free blacks became Loyalists.<ref>See PBS report at [http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part2/2narr4.html  and Benjamin Quarles, ''Black Mosaic: Essays in Afro-American History and Historiography'' 1988, ch 2–3.</ref>

About 5000 blacks served in the Continental army. Slaves who fought in that Army for a set period were usually legally emancipated. Thousands more served in militia and state units. Very few free blacks became Loyalists.<ref>See PBS report at [http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part2/2narr4.html  and Benjamin Quarles, ''Black Mosaic: Essays in Afro-American History and Historiography'' 1988, ch 2–3.]</ref>

As the war ended, Loyalist slaveowners took an estimated 75,000 slaves with them; they were usually taken to the British sugar colonies in the West Indies, especially Jamaica, where life expectancy was short.  About 400 to 1000 free blacks went to London and joined the community of about 10,000 free blacks there. About 3500 to 4000 went to the British colonies of [[Nova Scotia]] and [[New Brunswick]], where the British provided many with land. Over 1,500 settled in Birchtown, Nova Scotia, instantly making it the largest free black community in North America. However about 1,500 were dissatisfied and left Nova Scotia for the new British colony of [[Sierra Leone]] in Africa after 1787, where they became part of the ruling elite.<ref> See [http://www.nps.gov/revwar/unfinished_revolution/black_loyalists.html  Black Loyalists] at NPS.</ref>

As the war ended, Loyalist slaveowners took an estimated 75,000 slaves with them; they were usually taken to the British sugar colonies in the West Indies, especially Jamaica, where life expectancy was short.  About 400 to 1000 free blacks went to London and joined the community of about 10,000 free blacks there. About 3500 to 4000 went to the British colonies of [[Nova Scotia]] and [[New Brunswick]], where the British provided many with land. Over 1,500 settled in Birchtown, Nova Scotia, instantly making it the largest free black community in North America. However about 1,500 were dissatisfied and left Nova Scotia for the new British colony of [[Sierra Leone]] in Africa after 1787, where they became part of the ruling elite.<ref>See [http://www.nps.gov/revwar/unfinished_revolution/black_loyalists.html  Black Loyalists] at NPS.</ref>

== New York ==

== New York ==

[[Image:NB-1783.jpg|thumb|300px|Loyalists landing at St. John's River (now New Brunswick, Canada), 1783]]  

[[Image:NB-1783.jpg|thumb|300px|Loyalists landing at St. John's River (now New Brunswick, Canada), 1783]]  

About 15–20% of the Loyalists left, an estimated 70,000 Loyalists, or about 3% of the total American population. About 46,000 went to Canada; 7,000 to Great Britain and 17,000 to British colonies in the Caribbean.  About 32,000 went to [[Nova Scotia]], where they were not well received, so the colony of [[New Brunswick]] was created for them. About 10,000 went to Canada, especially the [[Eastern Townships]] of Quebec and modern-day [[Ontario]].<ref> The [http://www.haldimand-collection.ca Haldimand Collection]is the main source for historians in the study of American Loyalists settlement in Canada.</ref>

About 15–20% of the Loyalists left, an estimated 70,000 Loyalists, or about 3% of the total American population. About 46,000 went to Canada; 7,000 to Great Britain and 17,000 to British colonies in the Caribbean.  About 32,000 went to [[Nova Scotia]], where they were not well received, so the colony of [[New Brunswick]] was created for them. About 10,000 went to Canada, especially the [[Eastern Townships]] of Quebec and modern-day [[Ontario]].<ref>The [http://www.haldimand-collection.ca Haldimand Collection] is the main source for historians in the study of American Loyalists settlement in Canada.</ref>

The richest and most prominent Loyalist exiles went to Great Britain to rebuild their careers; many received pensions. Many Southern Loyalists, taking along their slaves, went to the West Indies and the Bahamas.  

The richest and most prominent Loyalist exiles went to Great Britain to rebuild their careers; many received pensions. Many Southern Loyalists, taking along their slaves, went to the West Indies and the Bahamas.  

==Return of some exiles==

==Return of some exiles==

The great majority of Loyalists never left the United States; they stayed on to become citizens of the new country. Some became nationally prominent leaders, including [[Samuel Seabury]] and [[Tench Coxe]].  Some exiles returned, as the Massachusetts story confirms.<ref> Kermes 2002</ref> Of those who left Massachusetts, virtually all expressed a desire to return to what they considered their native home. After the last wave of anti-Toryism passed in the wake of the peace treaty of 1783, a number of Loyalists, typically young, native born, and still emotionally attached to their native state, made their way back to Massachusetts between 1784 and 1789. On reentering Massachusetts, they encountered, for the most part, a warm welcome from Americans and were able to integrate themselves into society, reclaiming property, collecting debts, and joining the conservative, [[Federalist Party|Federalist]] political culture of the state.  

The great majority of Loyalists never left the United States; they stayed on to become citizens of the new country. Some became nationally prominent leaders, including [[Samuel Seabury]] and [[Tench Coxe]].  Some exiles returned, as the Massachusetts story confirms.<ref>Kermes 2002</ref> Of those who left Massachusetts, virtually all expressed a desire to return to what they considered their native home. After the last wave of anti-Toryism passed in the wake of the peace treaty of 1783, a number of Loyalists, typically young, native born, and still emotionally attached to their native state, made their way back to Massachusetts between 1784 and 1789. On reentering Massachusetts, they encountered, for the most part, a warm welcome from Americans and were able to integrate themselves into society, reclaiming property, collecting debts, and joining the conservative, [[Federalist Party|Federalist]] political culture of the state.  

[[Image:Loyal-gb.jpg|thumb|330px|right|Britannia welcomes returning American Loyalists; drawing by Benjamin West (1812)]]

[[Image:Loyal-gb.jpg|thumb|330px|right|Britannia welcomes returning American Loyalists; drawing by Benjamin West (1812)]]

[[Count Rumford]] (Benjamin Thompson) was a loyalist who fled to London when the War began. He became a world class scientist, a founder of thermodynamics and famous also for research in artillery ordnance. His expressed a desire to return to the United States in 1799 and was eagerly sought by the Americans (who needed help in fighting the [[Quasi-War]] with France). Rumford eventually decided to stay in London because he was engrossed with establishing the Royal Institution in England. <ref>Bradley 1974</ref>

[[Count Rumford]] (Benjamin Thompson) was a loyalist who fled to London when the War began. He became a world class scientist, a founder of thermodynamics and famous also for research in artillery ordnance. His expressed a desire to return to the United States in 1799 and was eagerly sought by the Americans (who needed help in fighting the [[Quasi-War]] with France). Rumford eventually decided to stay in London because he was engrossed with establishing the Royal Institution in England.<ref>Bradley 1974</ref>