Compare and contrast Patriots and Loyalists. You should identify at least ONE difference (something unique to the Patriots and something unique to the Loyalists) and ONE similarity.

Patriots vs. Loyalists

Patriots:

• Patriots were colonists who wanted to break away from British rule and create an independent nation. They believed in liberty and the right to self-government. One unique characteristic of Patriots was their willingness to use protests and sometimes violent actions, like the Boston Tea Party, to express their dissent against British policies.

Loyalists:

• Loyalists, on the other hand, were colonists who remained loyal to the British Crown. They believed that the British government provided stability and protection. One unique characteristic of Loyalists was their preference for maintaining ties with Britain, often fearing that independence could lead to chaos and conflict.

Similarities:

• Both Patriots and Loyalists were passionate about their beliefs and wanted what they thought was best for the colonies. They cared deeply about their home and wanted to improve their lives, even if they disagreed on how to achieve that. Both groups ended up fighting for their views during the American Revolutionary War, even though they were on opposing sides.

In summary, the Patriots wanted independence and were willing to rebel, while the Loyalists wanted to stay connected to Britain and believed it was safer, but both groups were deeply engaged in the future of the American colonies.