Difference between revisions of "Loyalist"
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| − | A '''loyalist''' is one who pledges loyalty to a | + | A '''loyalist''' is one who pledges loyalty to the previous ruler during a civil war. |
| − | In | + | In Britain today "Loyalist" refers to the Protestant (Presbyterian) elements of [[Northern Ireland]] who pledge allegiance to the British Crown as opposed to the Catholics who want more civil liberties. |
| − | + | In North America "Loyalist" denotes the colonists who remained loyal to King [[George III]] the [[British Empire]] during the [[American Revolution]]. British military strategy, especially in the South, involved arming them and using them to fight the Americans, which led to a bloody civil war. The Loyalists were defeated in every state. After the war, 80% remained as U.S. citizens and 20% removed to other parts of the Empire, especially New Brunswick. In Canada they and their descendants are called [[United Empire Loyalists]]. | |
| + | ==Further reading== | ||
| + | * Smith, Paul H. ''Loyalists and Redcoats: A Study in British Revolutionary Policy,'' 1964. | ||
| + | * Van Tyne, Claude Halstead. ''The Loyalists in the American Revolution'' (1929) [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=3030284 online edition] | ||
[[Category:Political Terms]] | [[Category:Political Terms]] | ||
| − | [[Category: | + | [[Category:British History]] |
| − | [[Category: | + | [[Category:American Revolution]] |
Revision as of 02:39, June 9, 2009
A loyalist is one who pledges loyalty to the previous ruler during a civil war.
In Britain today "Loyalist" refers to the Protestant (Presbyterian) elements of Northern Ireland who pledge allegiance to the British Crown as opposed to the Catholics who want more civil liberties.
In North America "Loyalist" denotes the colonists who remained loyal to King George III the British Empire during the American Revolution. British military strategy, especially in the South, involved arming them and using them to fight the Americans, which led to a bloody civil war. The Loyalists were defeated in every state. After the war, 80% remained as U.S. citizens and 20% removed to other parts of the Empire, especially New Brunswick. In Canada they and their descendants are called United Empire Loyalists.
Further reading
- Smith, Paul H. Loyalists and Redcoats: A Study in British Revolutionary Policy, 1964.
- Van Tyne, Claude Halstead. The Loyalists in the American Revolution (1929) online edition