Revolutionary Choices: Exploring Loyalist and Patriot Roots
By the end of this presentation, participants will be able to:
Explain how political convictions, religious beliefs, family connections, local pressures, and personal safety could influence support for independence, loyalty to the Crown, attempted neutrality, or changing positions during the American Revolution.
Recognize military, civilian, and political participation on both sides. Identify activities beyond enlistment, including committee work, local office, supplying goods, and assisting military forces, while considering whether participation was voluntary or compelled.
Identify useful record types for Patriot and Loyalist research, including service records, pension applications, bounty land applications, government proceedings, confiscation records, compensation claims, refugee lists, and land petitions. Select relevant national, state, provincial, and local repositories.
Treat lineage society databases and directories as leads. Explain why remaining in the United States or settling in Canada does not, by itself, establish wartime allegiance or military service.
