Do you understand what I'm saying? If you lived in an area, did you voluntarily fight for the Americans, or could you still side with the British with little retaliation? Did the colonists force people to fight with them? I understood that many remained loyal to the British, hence the moniker 'Torys', but were many of them still forced to fight on the Revolutionary side?
I know I'm being a little bit vague, but do you understood the point of my question?
2007-10-25 19:05:53 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ History
Hmmm - - - force is an odd word - - - many a man enlisted, some out of patriotism a surprising number of them for the money offered. Once one was signed up they faced the threat of flogging or even death for desertion or dereliction of duties... But as for gangs of Rebels 'forcing' people to fight for their cause - - - No - - - .. And not needed.
As for siding w/ the British with little or no retalion that was more problematical. It varied from region to region and changed due to circumstances. Philladelphia is a good example. The birth place of the Declaration, a Rebel Nest, even peace loving anti war Quakers displayed proper anger against Britain. And then one day British Troops swaggered in and took Philadelphia hostage. Overnight Loyalists /Tories sprang up all over the town. Philladelphians clamoured for the privillege of hosting parties in honor of Britain and King.
One exception to the bit about most Americans fighting freely for freedom - - - there were slave owners who forced their slaves to fight the British mosty because they were upset that the British were offering ****** freedom....
Peace.......... /// ------- O . u . O ------- \\\
2007-10-25 22:26:15 · answer #1 · answered by JVHawai'i 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, you were not forced to fight on the Patriot side if you were a Loyalist. However, your life and property could be in danger if you were vocal about your loyalty to the King. In the beginning, most colonists were not seeking independence from England. Look at the Olive Branch Petition addressed to the King. All they were asking for was equal representation in Parliment. The King viewed the colonists as spoiled children and ignored their requests. His thought was don't bite the hand that feeds you...When he ignored their petition, the colonists felt that they no longer had a choice but to fight for their rights. Hence, the revolution...There were many people who felt their loyalty was still with the king and there were some who were vocal about that loyalty and suffered because of it. Benedict Arnold's wife was a loyalist and was a key player in turning him into a spy for the British crown.
2007-10-25 19:22:50 · answer #2 · answered by flozindahauz 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
American revolutionary soldiers were all volunteers to a cause; they hardly ever got paid, frequently went hungry, and had few supplies or arms.
American colonists who were not revolutionaries were called loyalists and I am sure experienced lots of retaliation, especially after the revolutionaries won.
2007-10-25 23:44:51 · answer #3 · answered by LodiTX 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You either sided with the patriots or your chances were about the same as a jew in nazi germany; slim to none, and slim generally left town.
2007-10-26 03:36:56 · answer #4 · answered by acmeraven 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
yes for freedom
2007-10-25 19:16:38 · answer #5 · answered by crengle60 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋