Map of Patriot and Loyalist Support

Choosing Sides As news of these battles spread, each colonist faced a major decision—to join the rebels or remain loyal to Great Britain. Those who sided with Britain, the Loyalists, did not think unfair taxes and laws justified a rebellion. Some were officeholders who felt a responsibility to uphold British rule. Others had not suffered from British policies and saw no reason to break with Britain. Still others believed Britain would win the war and did not want to be on the losing side. The Patriots, on the other hand, supported the war. They believed that the colonists should have the right to govern themselves. The Patriots were determined to fight the British until American independence was won. The American Revolution was not just a war between America and Britain. It was also a civil war—Patriots against Loyalists. -excerpt from United States History to 1877, Chapter 6 Lesson 3