Difference Between Patriots and Loyalists

The United Kingdom is the country that has ruled over many other countries either by annexing them or by bringing them under its rule

It is the country that has ruled most of the countries leaving only 22 territories without its rule. America was also under British rule until it gained independence in 1776.  

The American War of Independence has seen people fighting for independence as well as people against independence. The people who stood for independence were the Patriots while the people who stood against independence and with British rule were termed as Loyalists. 

Key Takeaways

1. Patriots were those who supported the American Revolution and fought against British rule, while Loyalists were those who remained loyal to Britain.
2. The critical difference between the two is their allegiance – Patriots were committed to independence and freedom, while Loyalists believed in maintaining the existing order under British rule.
3. The conflict between Patriots and Loyalists was a defining moment in American history, shaping the course of the American Revolution.

Patriots vs Loyalists

The difference between Patriots and Loyalists is that the Patriots were the people who were in support of the American Colonies to gain independence from the British rule during the American War of Independence.

The Loyalists were the people who wanted that the British rule should continue in American Colonies during the American War of Independence.

Comparison Table

Parameter of Comparison	Patriots	Loyalists
What does it mean?	Patriots were the people who were striving and fighting for the independence of American Colonies from the British rule during the American War of Independence.	Loyalists were the people who supported the British rule in America because they believed that a unified empire is always strong. Many loyalists were the residents of New York City and served as government officials. Some Indians were also loyalists because they feared that the Americans would take over their land.
Also referred to as	Patriots were also referred to as Whigs, Colonials, Rebels and Sons of Liberty.	Loyalists were also termed as Tories, Royalists and King’s Men.
Aim	The aim of the patriots was to gain independence for the American colonies from British rule and also to protect the rights of the citizens.	The aim of the loyalists was to retain the British rule over American Colonies.
What did they believe?	Patriots believed that the taxation system was unjust because they were given no representation in the Parliament. Patriots also believed civic rights should be given to the citizens since they were deprived of all the basic rights including the right to freedom.	Loyalists believed that the taxation system was fair and it is necessary to support the central government to protect and maintain colonies and military developments. They believed that having no representation in parliament is only because of the physical distance between America and London. They also said that the citizens were given the necessary rights and therefore it should continue.
Some famous patriots and loyalists	Some of the famous patriots who fought for independence include John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, John Paul, Ethan Allen, Patrick Henry, Been Franklin, etc.	Some of the loyalists who supported British rule include Benedict Arnold, Joseph Galloway, Andrew Allen, John Butler, David Mathews, etc.

What are Patriots?

Patriots in the American War of Independence were the people who stood for the independence of their country and fought for it because they believed that it was their right to remain free.

Patriots were also termed as Whigs, Rebels, Colonials and Sons of Liberty.

Patriots were against the taxation system imposed by the British government and they asked the government to give them representation in the parliament if they wanted tax.

They also believed that civic rights should be given to the citizens of the country.

In the end, the Patriots won the American War of Independence.

Some of the famous patriots include George Washington, John Adams, Ethan Allen, John Paul, Patrick Henry, etc.

What are Loyalists?

Loyalists in the American War of Independence were the people who stood by the British rule and supported it because they believed that it will strengthen them.

Loyalists were also known as Tories, Royalists and King’s Men. 

Loyalists were in favor of the taxation system of the British Government because they believed that it is necessary for the proper functioning of the central government.

They were against giving rights to the citizens. 

Loyalists after defeat in the American War of Independence were made to leave America and therefore took refuge in British colonies and other neighboring countries.

Some of the Loyalists are Joseph Galloway, John Butler, David Mathews, etc.

Main Differences Between Patriots and Loyalists

1. Patriots were the people who stood for the independence of American colonies from British rule while Loyalists were the people who stood with the British rule. 
2. Patriots believed that independence is their right and it should be given to them while loyalists believed that being under British rule will help them remain unified which is a favorable condition for them. 
3. Patriots were also known as the Whigs, Rebels, Colonials and Sons of Liberty whereas loyalists were known as Tories, Royalists and King’s Men.
4. Patriots were against the taxation system imposed by the British rule whereas Loyalists were in favor of the taxation system because they thought it was important for the central government to function properly. 
5. Patriots believed that the citizens should be given civic rights including the right to freedom while Loyalists were against giving the rights to the citizens.
6. Patriots aimed to gain independence from British rule and protect the rights of the citizens while the loyalists aimed at retaining British rule in America.
7. Some of the patriots are George Washington, John Adams, John Paul, Ethan Allen, Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson, etc, on the other hand, some of the loyalists are Joseph Galloway, John Butler, Andrew Allen, David Mathews, Benedict Arnold, etc.
8. After the American War of Independence, the Patriots won the freedom for their country and countrymen while loyalists were forced to leave the country and take refuge in the neighboring countries and British colonies.

References

1. https://www.jstor.org/stable/2206445
2. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ164869