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American Revolution
The American Revolution took place for almost a decade. It was what the Americans called their battle for Independence from Britain. During this time, many Americans loyal to Britain left the colonies to British North America. -
Quebec Siege
The American forces attempted to take Quebec and it's fortresses. The Americans failed; Quebec, while being a new province, had city walls, soldiers, and enough volunteers-in which many were the loyalists-in which they defeated the American rebels. "John Coffin, a Massachusetts Loyalist, was one of the volunteer defenders, and was singled out for praise for his role in defeating the rebels." (Bothwell, 49). The Loyalists had strong connection to Britain and fought for them continuously. -
Loyalist Allegiance in New York and New Jersey
The Loyalists predicted the British power would rise, and they took an oath of allegiance to King George, (Bothwell, 54). -
Loyalist soldiers
During the American Revolution, approximately 20 percent of the population within the colonies were Loyalists. "Current estimates also suggest that the Loyalists mustered twenty thousand soldiers for the British forces" (Bothwell, 54). What is admirable, is that the Loyalists were not hiding. They were proud to show their loyalty to the British Crown even if it meant they would go to war or be treated poorly in their own colonies, which would later force or encourage them to leave Canada. -
July 4th
Up until the United States instated the Declaration of Independence, the Loyalists continued to try compromise with America so they could keep a connection to Britain and preserve the history of the colonies and its link with Great Britain. They were not given a voice and many were forced to leave following the American Revolution and were treated poorly.
(Page 58, Bothwell) -
Loyalist Alliance in Philadelphia
The British appeared in force which would convince the population to take the oath of allegiance to King George. (Bothwell, 54.) -
Loyalist Allegiance in Savannah
The Loyalists predicted the British power would rise, and they took an oath of allegiance to King George, (Bothwell, 54). -
Loyalist Allegiance in Charleston
The Loyalists predicted the British power would rise, and they took an oath of allegiance to King George, it continued to move South within the United States as Britain pushed on. (Bothwell, 54). -
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Loyalist Pension and Land
The Loyalists received land in Nova Scotia and Quebec when they settled their. They could qualify for hundreds of acres of lands to create a new life and living. The British were the ones who gave and distributed the land in British North America and looked to continue settling more Loyalists and therefore "people stockpiled lumber and food." (Bothwell, 61). -
Britain instructed to Leave the South
After the new government was appointed, Britain evacuated the states, up to 100,000 people left. "troops, dependents, and Loyalist refugees. Not all Loyalists decided to go, but those who stayed realized there was no guarantee of their safety. They left in the course of 1782, sailing away to West Indies, Bermuda, New York, and Nova Scotia. (Bothwell, 55). -
Loyalists Leave New York
The Loyalists had chosen to be subjects of the British Empire once before, and again after facing "violence, ostracism, and confiscation of their homes" (Bothwell, 56); they chose to leave New York in the summer and fall. -
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Late Loyalists
Loyalist settlement and immigration grew increasingly over the course of the American Revolution as well as the War of 1812 between British North America and the United States. "The population of Upper canada rose from 6000 in 1785 to 14000 in 1791 to 60000 in 1811" (Bothwell, 72). This shows the economic wealth they saw in Upper Canada and also went for their own morals and values to a place which they felt more freedom. -
United Empire Loyalist
"Lord Dorchester, governor-in-chief of British North America, proclaimed that the Loyalists and their children should be allowed to add "UE" to their names," https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/loyalists/
This meant that those who migrated could give respects to the crown which they were loyal to. -
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War of 1812
The war of 1812 actually lasted for two and a half years between The United States and Great Britain, which would bring British North America (Canada) into the conflict -
Battle of Queenston Heights
As the Battle of 1812 was deeply connected to the Napoleonic Wars in Europe, the fighting in the West took place in British North America for the most part. The Battle of Queenston was fought in what we now know is Ontario. Isaac Brock led the fighting and while they loyalists and Canadians were able to push the Americans back, Isaac Brock died in Battle.
https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/battle-of-queenston-heights/ -
Laura Secord
She herself was a Loyalist. During the Battle of Queenston she traveled the Niagara Escarpment 30km on foot to warn the British that the Americans were planning an attack which she had overheard. Her duty was to the Crown and saved many of the British North Americans as well as Loyalists as a result, while also receiving help from First Nations men. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/laura-secord/ -
The American Civil War
The American Civil War was due to the North and South having opposing ideas and especially about slavery. It also affected Canada. "George Brown, reminded his followers that in 1852 that "we too are Americans; on us, as well as on them, lies the duty of preserving the honour of the continent," (Bothwell, 112).While being loyal to the Crown, he reminded the Loyalists of their connection with the United States and that the issue affected them and many would go on to help fight in the war as well.