USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: –During the American Revolution, patriots were colonists who rebelled against British rule.-The best figures today are 40-55 percent Patriots, 15-25 percent Loyalists, and 30-45 percent uncommitted.-Historians now believe Adams was referring to American attitudes toward the French Revolution rather than our own.

Detailed explanation-2: -In general, these studies found that staunch loyalists constituted about 20% of the population or 400, 000 people, while committed Patriots accounted for about 40% of the population or 800, 000 people. The balance, about 40% or 800, 000 people, held moderate views, and mostly just wanted to be left alone to live in peace.

Detailed explanation-3: -Colonists who were too far away to fight, or embraced the beliefs of both parties were referred to as neutralists. They made up the remaining one third of American colonists during the revolution.

Detailed explanation-4: -The current thought is that about 20 percent of the colonists were Loyalists-those whose remained loyal to England and King George.

Detailed explanation-5: -The most prominent leaders of the Patriots included wealthy men such as John Hancock, well-educated individuals like Benjamin Franklin, and political activists such as Samuel Adams. Consensus among historians is that around 45 percent of the white colonists supported the Patriots’ cause.