Final answer:
A Patriot during the American Revolution was an individual who supported American independence from Great Britain. These individuals, coming from various societal backgrounds, united under a common cause to form the opposition against British forces and helped establish the Continental Army. In contrast to Patriots were the Loyalists, who remained loyal to the British Crown and faced consequences after the war.
Step-by-step explanation:
A Patriot during the American Revolution was someone who supported the cause for American independence from Great Britain. These revolutionaries, also referred to as Whigs, included a diverse group of people from various backgrounds like merchants, farmers, and sailors. The struggle for independence unified them under a common goal, and they formed an essential part of the colonial militia that fought against British forces. Patriots were distinct from Loyalists or Tories, who supported the British Crown during the conflict.
Patriotism was a driving force, inspired by ideas like those found in the Declaration of Independence, and individuals such as Crispus Attucks became symbols of the Patriots' fight against British oppression. Despite their internal differences, American colonists managed to overcome regional divides and focused on creating a unified front against the British. This shared sense of nationalism helped to solidify their identity and furthered their cause for independence, eventually leading to the formation of the Continental Army under the command of George Washington.
In contrast to the Patriots, Loyalists and neutralists represented other factions within the colonies, each with their reasons for their allegiances. Some Loyalists feared the loss of political, social, and economic rights, while others were concerned about the economic impacts of severing ties with Britain. As a result, at the end of the war, many Loyalists faced repercussions from the newly established patriot governments and some fled to other British territories.