Patriots
Salutary neglect is the term used to describe the relationship
between Great Britain and her colonies prior to the 1760s.
salutary neglect means that even though Britain made laws for
the colonies, they did not enforce them. As a result American
colonist had developed a great deal of independence from Great
Britain and ran their colonial economies, governments and
policies how they saw fit. When Great Britain went to war with
France in the French and Indian War, the colonist helped the
British fight in North America. Once the war was over, the
colonist thought they would be rewarded with the land that they help Britain gain from the French. Instead in
the Proclamation of 1763, Great Britain said that the colonist could not move west of the Appalachian
Mountains. This upset the colonist and the beginning of tensions between the colonies and Great Britain began.
The French and Indian War cost Great Britain a lot of money and the policy of salutary neglect ended. Great
Britain intended to enforce their policies and believed that the colonies should help pay for the cost of their
protection. The series of British laws like the Sugar Act, Stamp Act, and Townshend Acts only upset the
colonist more. They felt these policies were oppressive and unfair. Colonist believed that because they did not
have direct representation in Parliament that it was unjust for Britain to tax them. The phrase, “no taxation
without representation,” became a rally cry for the colonists.
Once the American Revolution began however, colonists were split on what side to support. Those who
supported the independence of the American colonies were referred to as Patriots (other nicknames include:
Colonists, Rebels, Minute Men, Revolutionaries, or "Whigs"). Often the side colonists choose to support had to
do with what was happening in their own communities and what might be best for them. Many Americans tried
not to pick a side at all but as the war progressed so did the battle for public support.
In the long run the American Patriots attracted more support. Through the use of various types of propaganda
like songs, speeches, pamphlets, and cartoons the Patriot cause grew. Some colonies even made laws requiring
colonial support. For instance in North Carolina the law required men of military age to pledge allegiance to
our new state government and serve in our military force. Many Loyalists (those who supported Britain) who
went against colonial Patriots found themselves subject to humiliation, violence, and had their property
vandalized or burned.
When the Treaty of Paris was signed in 1783, the Oatriots had accomplished their goals. They gained
independence from Great Britain and redefined their western border expanding it all the way to the Mississippi
River. The Revolution also renewed the desire for representation in government. The “Spirit of ‘76” lived on
amongst our founding fathers as they created our new government and built the United States of America.
Resources
http://www.gilderlehrman.org/history-by-era/road-revolution/resources/colonists-divided-revolution-and-civil-war
http://www.ushistory.org/us/11b.asp
http://chnm.gmu.edu/tah-loudoun/blog/lessons/patriots-or-traitors-point-of-view-in-the-war-for-independence/
http://www.learningfromlyrics.org/PatrickHenry.html
http://revolutionarymaniaks.blogspot.com/2011/02/patriots-vs-loyalists.html
http://lifeexaminations.wordpress.com/2010/10/15/liberty-death-or-safety/
Patrick Henry served in
the Virginia House of
Burgesses and the
Continental Congress. He
later went on to be a fiveterm governor of Virginia.
This founding father
delivered the famous
“Give me liberty or give
me death” speech to the
Continental Congress.
Patrick Henry: "Give Me Liberty Or Give Me Death"
March 23, 1775 ( excerpt )
"...There is no longer any room for hope. If we wish to be free-- if we mean to preserve inviolate those
inestimable privileges for which we have been so long contending…--we must fight! I repeat it, sir, we must
fight! An appeal to arms and to the God of hosts is all that is left us!...
...The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, sir, we have no
election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat but
in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The
war is inevitable--and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come.
It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace-- but there is no peace. The war is
actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms!
Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they
have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it,
Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!"
Loyalists
When tensions increased between Great Britain and the
colonies division began to develop between those who
wanted to work with Britain and those who wanted
independence. Those who wanted to support the
British crown were called Loyalist (aka: “Tories,”
British, Redcoats). Historians estimate that
approximately 20% of colonists remained loyal to the
King during the American Revolution. Although
Loyalist came from all walks of life, many were
wealthy landowners, Anglican clergymen, or people
with close business or political ties to Britain. The far southern colonies like Georgia and the Carolinas, along
with the middle colonies of New York and Pennsylvania seemed to have the highest concentration of Loyalists.
There were many reasons for staying loyal to the crown. Some Loyalist believed that Great Britain did have the
right to tax the colonies as a way to help pay for the cost of protection. Other Loyalist did not support the taxes
but they felt that the violent opposition to the taxes by Patriots was too much and unjustified. Many of the
Loyalists were government officials, appointed to public office by the crown. Those who had business interests
or wanted to sell their goods to the British army also remained loyal. Many African Americans and Native
Americans remained loyal in hopes for freedom and the protection of their land. As the Revolution progressed,
Patriots gained control of virtually all of the thirteen colonies and would turn to violence to suppress the voice
of the Loyalist. Supporters of the King would often face public humiliation (such as tarring and feathering),
physical attack, or have their property destroyed or confiscated. Loyalist began to move to British strongholds
like New York City or Canada for safety and protection. Some Loyalist returned to Great Britain.
When the revolution was over, the British were unable to secure any guarantee of safety for the Loyalist still in
America. As a result many Loyalist left the United States to resettle in other areas of the British Empire like
Nova Scotia, Canada. The Loyalists who stayed in America were not recognized as citizens, were subjected to
fines, land confiscation, and triple taxation. Many colonies made it hard for the Loyalist to re-integrate into
society, work in their profession, collect debts, or join in the political culture of the state. Loyalist endured
extraordinary insults for their views and lost relationships with their Patriot friends and family.
Loyalist Women
Loyalist women took on many of the same duties as Patriot women during the war. Like the Patriot women,
when their husbands left they were responsible for taking care of the family farm or business. Loyalist women
faced extra pressure however as many local Patriot governments would attempt to confiscate their land from
them because they, like their husbands, were considered traitors. Some of these women tried to resist the
Patriots and others decided to leave their communities and usually moved to Canada.
Resources
http://www.historycolorado.org/sites/default/files/files/Educators/5th/Patriots_and_Tories.pdf
http://www.womenhistoryblog.com/2009/01/loyalist-women-of-american-revolution.html
http://www.gilderlehrman.org/history-by-era/road-revolution/resources/colonists-divided-revolution-and-civil-war
https://www.converse.edu/sites/default/files/site-files/Academics/NEH/PatriotLoyalistorNeutral_YouDecide.pdf
http://www.sdheroes.com/?p=7137
Why Risk Independence?
Depend upon it, you can never place yourselves in a happier situation
that in your ancient constitutional dependency on Great Britain. No
independent state ever was or ever can be so happy as we have been,
and might still be, under that government…
But remember, Gentlemen, that I now tell you, that should they [the
patriots] (contrary to all probability) accomplish their [harmful]
purpose, yet their government will not be lasting. It will never suit a
people who have once tasted the sweets of British liberty under a British
constitution.
Governor William Franklin’s letter to the New Jersey Legislature, 1776.
Figure 1: Benjamin Franklin's son
William was the Royal Governor of
New Jersey. When the revolution
began he remained loyal to Britain
while his father was one of the leading
patriots working towards independence.
One King or Many?
As long as government subsists [exists], subjects owe… obedience to the laws of the supreme power, from
which there can be no appeal but to Heaven… To what, or whom, shall we [turn to]? Shall we appeal to the
King of Massachusetts Bay, to the King of Connecticut, to the King of Rhode Island, against the King of Great
Britain?...
Letter from a Virginian to the Continental Congress, 1774
Trust the Mother Country
…It can hardly be imagined, that the mother country has formed the least intention of reducing these provinces
[colonies] to a state of abject servility [slavery], by the force of arms… She will be more just – more tender to
her offspring – the force of reason will prevail – our grievances will be redressed [satisfied] – and she will be
found to the end of time, a kind – a fostering parent!
Letter of William Eddis of Maryland, Feb 14, 1775
Women
During colonial times women were considered to be
inferior to men and the law did not recognize economic,
political, or civic rights of women. The Revolutionary
movement increased people's attention to political matters
and made issues of liberty and equality especially
important to women. Women ended up being very active
in the fight for independence and made some gains for
themselves.
Even before the Revolution started women were active in the colonial cause. When the colonist decided to
boycott British goods the Daughters of Liberty refused to drink British tea and would use their skills to weave
yarn into wool. This homemade cloth was called homespun and made Americans less dependent on the British.
The Daughters of Liberty proved that women's involvement in politics could be beneficial to the country.
Once the war began women helped in both traditional and nontraditional ways. Women continued to use their
sewing skills to make uniforms for Patriot soldiers. When the men went off to fight that left women to do all
the jobs men left behind like running the family farm or business. Some women even became weavers,
carpenters, blacksmiths, or shipbuilders all jobs traditionally for men. Other women transformed their homes
into hospitals for the wounded. The various roles women had to take during the war helped them master
activities that they had not been responsible for before which helped their confidence grow. However, not all
women stayed back at home during the fighting.
Hundreds of women, known as camp followers, served as nurses, laundresses, cooks and companions to the
male soldiers in the Continental Army. Some women even joined in the fighting by dressing up like men. One
courageous solider known as “Robert Shirtliffe” was actually a women named Deborah Sampson. One
important role women served during the war was as spies. Both the British and American armies had women
around their camps as cooks and maids. Because of this women could move freely around soldiers’ campsites
and eavesdrop on conversations about troop movement, supply deliveries, or leadership changes. These women
spies could then tell the other side what they heard.
In the years during and after the war the idea the “Republican Motherhood” took root. If the country was going
to survive it required intelligent and self-disciplined citizens. Republican mothers were seen as responsible for
educating their children, especially boys, to be intelligent citizens. As a result more schools opened to educate
women and women gained more equality within their own home. Besides going to school some women held
jobs and campaigned to fight against slavery and help the poor.
Resources
http://www.womenhistoryblog.com/2009/02/daughters-of-liberty.html
http://www.ushistory.org/us/13e.asp
http://www.americanrevolution.org/nguyen.html
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/adams/filmmore/ps_ladies.html
http://www.thefederalistpapers.org/posters/abigail-adams-posters/abigail-adams-quote-man-is-a-dangerous-creature
http://colonialquills.blogspot.com/2011/05/spinning-room-homespun-inspiration.html
Abigail Adams
In March 1776, Abigail Adams wrote this celebrated letter to husband John, who was serving as the
Massachusetts representative to the Continental Congress in Philadelphia.
I long to hear that you have declared an independancy-and by the way in the new Code of Laws which I
suppose it will be necessary for you to make I desire you would Remember the Ladies, and be more
generous and favourable to them than your ancestors. Do not put such unlimited power into the hands of
the Husbands. Remember all Men would be tyrants if they could. If perticuliar care and attention is not
paid to the Laidies we are determined to foment a Rebelion, and will not hold ourselves bound by any
Laws in which we have no voice, or Representation.
Other Revolutionary Women:
Eliza Wilkinson of South Carolina, 1783:
"I won't have it thought that because we are the weaker sex as to bodily strength we are capable of
nothing more than domestic concerns. They won't even allow us liberty of thought, and that is all I
want."
Margaret Corbin pretended to be a man to fight in the revolution. She said,
"Actuated by the most glorious cause that mankind ever fought in, I am to defend this post to the very
last extremity."
November 2, 1774, in a letter to her brother Esther De Berdt wrote:
The people of New England have not such expectations. They are prepared for the worst event, and they
have such ideas of their injured liberty, and so much enthusiasm in the cause, that I do not think that any
power on earth could take it from them but with their lives.
African Americans
The foundation of the revolution was built upon
words like liberty, justice, unalienable rights, and
equality. However by 1770 approximately 95% of
the black population in the colonies was enslaved.
There was an obvious contradiction that the
colonist wanted liberation from Britain while
having slaves at the same time.
What mattered most to African Americans was
freedom and this is why they fought in the
Figure 1: One of the five people killed in the Boston Massacre was
American Revolution. As war spread throughout an African American named Crispus Attucks. He is remembered as
the “first martyr” of the American Revolutionary War
the colonies African Americans joined whatever
side they thought would give them freedom. The
need for man-power left both the colonist and Britain recruiting African America soldiers throughout the war.
British Army: Initially the laws in Britain neither allowed nor outlawed slavery. In 1772, however a slave sued
and won his freedom in England. The court ruling effectively outlawed slavery in England but not in the British
colonies. Because of this many slaves felt the British crown was on their side and sympathetic to their cause.
Once the revolution began the royal governor of Virginia, Lord Dumore, promised to give freedom to slaves
who would join the Loyalist forces. This policy changed however when Sir William Howe took over the
British army and ordered that blacks be discharged. As the numbers of black soldiers in the British army
decreased they began to grow on the American side.
Continental Army: Approximately 5,000 black men served in the Continental Army, and hundreds more served
on the sea. In 1777, the Continental Congress gave blacks the chance to join the army as they were desperate for
more forces. Recruitment in the army was slow and to meet enlistment quotas many colonies allowed masters
to enlist their slaves in the army as a substitute for themselves. Military necessity made the Continental Army
an integrated force at a rate that the United States would not see again for another 200 years. In October 1780
an all-black unit, the 2nd Company, 4th Connecticut Regiment, was formed. By 1781 an estimated one fourth of
the continental army was black.
The Revolution gave blacks a chance to express their desire for freedom. While the war did not lead to
emancipation, it united blacks in their belief of freedom and gave them a position from which to fight for the
abolition of slavery. The fact that blacks fought on both sides of the war only helps prove that they weren't in
favor of either side; they were fighting for their own future. African Americans played a major role in the
American struggle for independence. An estimated 100,000 African Americans escaped, died or were killed on
both sides during the American Revolution.
Resources
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part2/2narr4.html
http://www.americanrevolution.org/blk.html
http://www.ushistory.org/us/13f.asp
http://fas-history.rutgers.edu/clemens/AfricanAmericansRevolution.html
http://www.poemhunter.com/phillis-wheatley/
Phillis Wheatley
The first published African American poet was a woman named Phillis Wheatley. Born in Africa, she was made
a slave at the age of seven. The Wheatley family of Boston purchased her and taught her to read and write. In
1773 Wheatley's Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral brought her fame. Her owners emancipated
her (gave her freedom) in 1773 although she stayed with the family until her former master died. Wheatley was
a strong supporter of American independence, reflected in both poems and plays she wrote during the
Revolutionary War.
On Being Brought from Africa to America
'Twas mercy brought me from my Pagan land,
Taught my benighted soul to understand
That there's a God, that there's a Saviour too:
Once I redemption neither sought nor knew.
Some view our sable race with scornful eye,
"Their colour is a diabolic dye."
Remember, Christians, Negro's, black as Cain,
May be refin'd, and join th' angelic train.
These bold lines in her poetic eulogy to General David Wooster criticize patriots who confess Christianity yet
oppress her people:
But how presumptuous shall we hope to find
Divine acceptance with the Almighty mind
While yet o deed ungenerous they disgrace
And hold in bondage Afric: blameless race
Let virtue reign and then accord our prayers
Be victory ours and generous freedom theirs.
Native Americans
In history we use the term Native
American or American Indians to
describe the native inhabitants of
North America as if they were one
group. In reality, the native people
living here were part separate tribes,
each with their own ways. In the
North there was the Iroquois
confederacy which was an alliance of
six different tribes. In the South the
Cherokee and Creeks were two of the
major tribes. Each tribe had their
own relationship with the colonists
and the British. In the end however
the American Revolution proved to
be one more event towards the
destruction of their way of life.
The priority of the Native Americans was to protect their Indian liberties and Indian homelands. Initially Native
Americans tried to stay neutral in the conflict between colonists and Britain. Over time however it became
clear that colonists and their desire to expand west posed a bigger threat than Great Britain. The break in Indian
neutrality came in 1776, when the British brought one of the Iroquois leaders, Joseph Brant, to England and
treated him like a celebrity. When Brant returned home he successful got four of the six nations in the Iroquois
alliance to take up hatchet against the American colonists.
In the south patriot leaders met with both the Cherokees and the Creeks and tried to persuade them to remain
neutral and not be swayed by British arms or arguments. In the end however northern tribes helped convince
southern tribes that an alliance with the British was better than one with the colonists.
To keep the Indian alliance, Britain provided the Native Americans with huge amounts of goods. In spite of the
significant aid the Native Americans provided the British in the war, when the Revolution was over the British
made no mention of the Indians in their peace talks with the Americans. Not surprisingly, due to their lack of
representation during treaty negotiations, Native Americans received very poor treatment in the diplomatic
arrangements. The United States victory over Britain proved to be a victory over the Native Americans as well.
Most Americans believed that Indians had backed monarchy and tyranny and many felt no remorse in expelling
those who had fought against them.
Resources
http://mappinghistory.uoregon.edu/english/US/US05-00.html
http://historymatters.gmu.edu/d/8071
http://www.americanrevolution.org/ind1.html
“The Disturbances in America give great trouble to all our Nations”:
Mohawk Joseph Brant Comes to London to See the King, 1776
by Joseph Brant
Joseph Brant was a Mohawk war chief, interpreter, statesmen, and British military
leader. He studied at Eleazer Wheelock’s Indian Charity School in Connecticut and
became an ally of Sir William Johnson, superintendent for Indian Affairs; Johnson
married Joseph’s sister, Molly. In this letter he made clear his allegiance to the
Crown but also indicated that Native Americans had distinctive issues all their own
in trying to hold on to their homelands.
Brother Gorah, We have cross’d the great Lake and come to this kingdom with our Superintendent, Col.
Johnson, from our Confederacy the Six Nations and their allies, that we might see our Father, the Great King,
and joyn in informing him, his Councillors and wise men, of the good intentions of the Indians our brethren, and
of their attachment to His Majesty and his Government. Brother. The Disturbances in America give great
trouble to all our Nations, as many strange stories have been told to us by the people of that country… the
Indians think it very hard they should have been so deceived by the White people in that country, the enemy
returning in great numbers, and no White people supporting the Indians, they were obliged to return to their
villages and sit still. We now Brother hope to see these bad children chastised, and that we may be enabled to
tell the Indians who have always been faithfull and ready to assist the King, what his Majesty intends. …We
have only therefore to request that his Majesty will attend to this matter: it troubles our Nation & they can not
sleep easie in their beds. Indeed it is very hard when we have let the Kings subjects have so much land for so
little value, they should want to cheat us in this manner of the small spots we have left for our women and
children to live on. We are tired out in making complaints & getting no redress. We therefore hope that the
Assurances now given us by the Superintendent may take place, and that he may have it in his power to procure
us justice.