Loyalists vs. Patriots

The American Revolution saw the emergence of two distinct factions: Loyalists and Patriots. Loyalists, also known as Tories, remained loyal to the British crown, believing that British rule offered stability and protection. In contrast, Patriots sought independence from Britain, advocating for self-governance and rights. The ideological clash between these two groups not only fueled the revolution but also led to deep social divisions, as neighbors often found themselves on opposite sides of a political divide, resulting in a civil conflict within the larger war.