Tories

Definition

Tories were American colonists who remained loyal to the British Crown during the American Revolutionary War. This group opposed the revolution and supported British policies, often viewing themselves as upholders of law and order against what they perceived as rebellious actions by the Patriots. Their loyalty led to significant conflict on the home front, especially in areas where revolutionary fervor was strong.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Tories were often wealthy landowners or merchants who had economic ties to Britain and feared that independence would disrupt their livelihoods.
2. During the Revolutionary War, Tories faced violence and intimidation from Patriots, leading many to flee to Canada or Britain.
3. The Tories believed that British governance provided stability and protection, arguing that rebellion could lead to chaos and tyranny.
4. After the war, many Tories faced confiscation of property and loss of status, as they were often vilified for their allegiance to Britain.
5. The term 'Tory' originated in England and referred to those who supported royal authority over parliamentary rule, reflecting similar tensions in the American colonies.

Review Questions

• How did the presence of Tories impact local communities during the Revolutionary War?
  • The presence of Tories in local communities often created deep divisions among neighbors, leading to conflicts and mistrust. In areas where revolutionary sentiments ran high, Tories faced hostility and violence from Patriots, which could escalate into public confrontations. This division not only strained personal relationships but also disrupted social cohesion, affecting community dynamics and leading to a heightened atmosphere of conflict during the war.
• In what ways did the Tories' loyalty to Britain influence their actions during the Revolutionary War?
  • Tories' loyalty to Britain influenced their actions significantly as they actively opposed the revolution by supporting British troops and policies. They organized resistance against Patriot activities, gathered intelligence for British forces, and sometimes formed militias to protect Loyalist interests. Their allegiance led them to view revolutionary acts as treasonous, compelling them to defend their beliefs vigorously even at great personal risk.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of Tory loyalty on post-war American society and politics.
  • The long-term consequences of Tory loyalty shaped post-war American society and politics by fostering a legacy of division that persisted long after the Revolutionary War ended. Many Tories faced economic ruin and social ostracism, leading to a fragmented society where loyalties were deeply questioned. The tensions between former Patriots and Tories influenced early American politics, affecting debates over governance and civil rights as the nation struggled to define itself in a post-revolutionary context.

Related terms

Loyalists: Another name for Tories, Loyalists were colonists who remained loyal to the British monarchy during the Revolutionary War, facing social ostracism and violence from Patriots.

Patriots: Colonists who rebelled against British rule and supported independence, often clashing with Tories over issues of governance and rights.

Revolutionary War: The conflict from 1775 to 1783 in which the American colonies fought for independence from British rule, leading to significant political and social changes.