If I was a colonist I would have been a patriot because the British government was oppressive, and it had no right to govern the colonies without their consent. As a patriotic, gaining independence was a chance to gain economic and political freedom.
Three reasons to support the answer are:
1. Loyalists were more likely to come from their areas and had strong connections to Britain, whereas Patriots were more likely to come from rural areas and had a stronger sense of local identity. This regional identity shaped both groups' perspectives and contributed to their differences.
2. Loyalists had economic ties to Britain and feared that independence would disrupt their trade relationships and economic well-being. Patriots, on the other hand, believed that independence would open up new economic opportunities for them and that they would benefit from trade relationships with other countries.
3. Loyalists believed in a hierarchical society with a strong central government, whereas Patriots believed in democracy and individual rights. Loyalists believed that the colonies should remain dependent on Britain, whereas Patriots believed that the colonies should have representation and freedom.