Loyalists in the American Revolution?

Question

During the American Revolution many colonists remained loyal to the British governmet, even after independence was declared. For many in the new state and U.S. government these 'loyalists' were branded as traitors and many state governments to direct action action against them with fines, jail sentences and seizure of property. Do you think these actions against Loyalists was justified?

Answer 1

100,000 Loyalists left America immediately after the Revolutionary War.
Now, many that remained in America were neighbors to former Continental Army and Militia soldiers. Some of what you described was purely revenge and nothing less. I think it was wrong.

I think that after the war, as long as the Loyalists were law abiding and loyal citizens of the newly formed states, they should NOT have been singled out and punished, period.

Answer 2

Yes but the Government does not fear The UN either. Maybe if U.S. Citizens were to use The War Of Agression decision made at Nureberg to apply to current and future wars , their own authority,plus that of The UN to do so. The Revolution back then was the only way the people could get attention andr ights as it was in various revolutions in Mexico. There was no UN though but back then in a way this was what the citizens were. The people though would be very strong this time around if they became The UN as The Government could not label them rebels if they were to use The UN plus their right to dissolve The Government if The Government does harass them through The Radicilazation Act.

Answer 3

Certainly not, but then, the colonists were not the selfless patriots later generations painted them to be. In the southern colonies partisan bands launched raids on opposing sides, and the atrocity shown in Mel Gibson's film, The Patriot, probably did happen, though not at the hands of British troops, mostly for the reasons mentioned here already... land, property, revenge.

Answer 4

Since my ancestors were United Empire Loyalists, and fought to stay under British rule, they were stripped of all their land and possessions. They were forced to start over completely in a wilderness, which today is New Brunswick, Canada.

It wasn't necessary to be pro-British at all. If one of your neighbours coveted your land, they only had to start a rumour that you were a Loyalist, and you would be lucky to escape with your life.

Naturally, I don't feel it was justified. On the other hand, I'm glad to be born here.

Answer 5

You have to be more specific. If you had a neighbor that was being paid to spy on you, was ready to accept your personal property for being on the other side, was ready to shoot your family and friends, and was trying to send you to prison what would you do?
We all have a part of ourselves that is willing to forgive and forget but we also want to protect ourselves and our families.
Some of the action taken was surely excessive and some was surely generous. It was probably more civilized than comparable events in history.

Answer 6

They became convinced of the Patriot cause and switched sides in the conflict.

Answer 7

Well the British government would have done the same to the patriots.