Loyalist vs. Royalist

Attribute	Loyalist	Royalist
Beliefs	Supports the British monarchy and government	Supports the British monarchy and government
Political stance	Generally conservative	Generally conservative
Historical context	During the American Revolution, loyalists were those who remained loyal to the British Crown	During the English Civil War, royalists supported the monarchy against the parliamentarians
Support base	Often wealthy landowners, government officials, and Anglican clergy	Often nobility, landowners, and supporters of the monarchy

Background

During the American Revolutionary War, there were two main factions: the Loyalists and the Royalists. Loyalists were colonists who remained loyal to the British Crown, while Royalists were colonists who supported the independence movement. These two groups had distinct attributes that set them apart from each other.

Beliefs

Loyalists believed in the importance of maintaining ties with Britain and preserving the existing social order. They saw themselves as upholding tradition and stability in the face of revolutionary change. On the other hand, Royalists believed in the ideals of liberty, equality, and self-governance. They saw the British Crown as oppressive and sought to break free from its control.

Support

Loyalists received support from the British government, including military aid and supplies. They also had the backing of wealthy landowners and merchants who benefited from the existing system. In contrast, Royalists relied on grassroots support from ordinary colonists who were fed up with British rule. They formed militias and fought for their cause with limited resources.

Actions

Loyalists actively worked to suppress the independence movement by reporting on rebel activities and assisting British forces. They often faced persecution and violence from Royalists who viewed them as traitors. Royalists, on the other hand, engaged in acts of rebellion such as protests, boycotts, and armed resistance. They sought to undermine British authority and establish a new government.

Identity

Loyalists saw themselves as loyal subjects of the British Crown, proud of their heritage and allegiance to the monarchy. They viewed the independence movement as a threat to their way of life and sought to protect their interests. Royalists, on the other hand, identified as Americans fighting for freedom and self-determination. They saw themselves as patriots standing up against tyranny and injustice.

Legacy

The legacy of Loyalists is often viewed with mixed feelings, as they are seen as either loyal defenders of tradition or as collaborators with an oppressive regime. Some Loyalists faced exile or persecution after the war, while others integrated back into American society. Royalists, on the other hand, are celebrated as heroes of the revolution who fought for the ideals of liberty and democracy. Their legacy is enshrined in American history as champions of independence.