Final answer:
In colonial times, 'patriots' referred to American colonists who supported independence from Britain, coming from diverse backgrounds and united by patriotism. Loyalists, making up about one-third of the population, remained loyal to the Crown due to fears of losing personal rights and economic consequences.
Step-by-step explanation:
In colonial times, the term 'patriots' referred to those American colonists who supported independence from Britain during the Revolutionary War. These American revolutionaries, also known as Whigs, came from diverse segments of society including merchants, shoemakers, farmers, and sailors. They were united by a common cause of self-rule and the principles enshrined in the Declaration of Independence. The idea of patriotism played a significant role, as it was expected to inspire the colonists to sacrifice their interests for the general welfare of the new nation.
Contrastingly, Loyalists, or Tories, comprised about one-third of the colonial population and preferred to maintain their allegiance to the British Crown. They feared that the revolution would harm their personal political, social, and economic rights. They were often older than the patriots, many were members of the Anglican Church and tended to be more conservative, with vested interests that aligned with the British government. Their concerns included fears of losing land granted by the crown, economic repercussions, and the loss of protection from the British army against potential threats, such as Native American attacks on the frontier.
The struggle during the Revolutionary War wasn't just a battle against the British; it was also a battle for the hearts and minds of the colonists themselves, with the patriots and Loyalists representing the opposing ideologies at the time.