Patriots, Loyalists, and Neutrals Before the American Revolution

Colonists had various reasons for whichever side that they chose. Farmers, for example, often chose the side that their landowner supported. Others who might be have a large debt owed to British creditors may have chosen the Patriot side in hopes that their debts would be erased.

Conversely, a merchant who had a lucrative contract with the Crown would likely support the Loyalist cause. Their income was tied to the relationship between Great Britain and the Colonies.

Choosing a side could be dangerous depending on where you lived. While there were people of all sides spread across the Colonies, the majority of people in the New England Colonies were Patriots. You were likely to find more Loyalists in the Southern Colonies.