Patriots vs Loyalist
PatriotsPatriots were those colonists who supported the
Continental Congress and independence. Patriots didn't want to be in control of Great Britain for any longer. After many of the taxes Britain put in the colonies Patriots decide to end the British rule over The United States. South Carolina Patriots volunteered (meaning no money in return) as soldiers to fight in colonial militias. One famous Patriot is General George Washington. After the Battle of Saratoga the French made an alliance (friendship) with the Patriots. |
LoyalistLoyalist remained loyal to the King, and fought with the British (Loyalist). South Carolina had a big population of loyalist. Some Loyalist were simply afraid to go up against the might of the British army. Others had business interests in England and knew that English trade was important to the economy. Many Loyalist thought British rule was better than Patriot rule One famous Loyalist was Colonel Tarleton. The Loyalist had a strong opposition (disagreement) with the Patriots beliefs.
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Neutral
Not everyone picked a side. Many people tried to remain neutral so they could avoid conflict and the war or they thought that British rule was better. Some people who were neutral simply didn't know which side to choose and were afraid of the might of the British Navy and Army.