One important event that led neutral civilians in the South to give their support to the Patriots during the American Revolution was the impact of British policies and actions, particularly the harsh enforcement of the Intolerable Acts and the subsequent military presence in the colonies.
The British response to colonial resistance, including the imposition of martial law and the quartering of troops, caused significant resentment among neutral civilians. The Battles of Lexington and Concord in 1775 also served as a catalyst, illustrating the resolve of the Patriots and the willingness to fight for their rights and freedoms against British oppression. Additionally, propaganda efforts, such as Thomas Paine's pamphlet "Common Sense," helped to sway public opinion by articulating the arguments for independence and framing the conflict in terms of liberty versus tyranny.
As the conflict progressed and the realities of British rule became increasingly oppressive, many civilians who had initially remained neutral began to see the Patriots as the defenders of their rights, prompting a shift in their support.