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In one broad description, the United Empire Loyalists were those who remained loyal to the King of England during the American Revolution of 1775-1783. Why did they remain loyal? Were there any consequences for their action?
The United Empire Loyalists were at odds with the Continental Congress because they believed conflict should be handled with dignity and open dialogue, not with violent conflicts and open aggression. They wanted the same things the rebels wanted, but they preferred to do it through democratic actions.
It can be said that the American Revolution created two countries: the United States of America and Canada. The United Empire Loyalists who left the original 13 colonies settled in British North America during and after the war.
Those who stayed behind or were not able to leave the colonies did not enjoy a good life if it were discovered they remained loyal to the British Standard. Many were tortured and even executed, including one of this author's ancestors. Willam Baizley I was hung in Rhode Island at the outbreak of the Revolution.
When the war ended in 1783 with the signing of the Peace of Versailles Treaty, the British government did what they could to protect the United Empire Loyalists. The American commissioners had put down that no property or belongings of United Empire Loyalists would be taken or no further prosecutions. Also all debts would be paid without obstruction.
These words turned out to be mostly just that, words. Some abided by the laws handed down, but for the most part they were largely ignored. The States refused, almost unanimously, to honor anything promised by the Congress. Prosecutions and the taking of property and belongings continued and it soon became clear that the United Empire Loyalists would have to find homes elsewhere.
The British government came to the aid of these people by offering them land in Canada. It also gave assistance in the forms of food rations, livestock and seeds as well as the machinery to help plant and tend.
Not all went to Canada, some did stay in the States. Others moved to England while still others moved to the West Indies.
It should be noted that the arrival of the United Empire Loyalists altered the cultural landscape of Canada. Up until then it was predominantly a French speaking country. Their influence largely makes up how Canadians think and act today.
Until now I have been calling them United Empire Loyalists, however not all Loyalists can be called United Empire Loyalists. This is because the term United Empire is a British title of distinction and not all are entitled to use it. Those who stayed in America after 1783 and remained loyal to the approved British standard are known simply as Loyalists, but in Canada they are known as the United Empire Loyalists.
This is because in 1789 Lord Dorchester suggested putting a mark of distinction on those who remained loyal to the crown and joined the royal standard while in America before the treaty of separation in 1783, but could only be applied to those living on British territory. Those who fit that description were put on a list known as the old U.E. (Unity of the Empire) list. Those who were not on the list, or whose ancestors are not on the list, are not entitled to call themselves United Empire Loyalists.
Many of these people moved to Canada after 1789. Some became disenchanted with the new government, some not able to get away before and there were those who were lured by the offer of free land under Lieutenant-General Simcoe. There can be no doubt that many of these people were loyal to the crown but they do not have the right to call themselves United Empire Loyalists. They are known as Late Loyalists.
One person who was not welcome on either side, was General Benedict Arnold. In 1787 he moved to Saint John, New Brunswick but by 1791 was so unpopular in the Loyalist settlement he was forced to sail to Britain with his family.
The United Empire Loyalists and others who came after them suffered greatly for their principles. But like the men and women who fought in the Revolution they also gained. They were able to live in a country where they were free from persecution, and as a result of the capitulation of the British Government, they were again free from taxes.
Reference:
Livesey, Robert, The Loyal Refugees. Toronto : Stoddart Kids, c1999.
Canadiana Encyclopedia. United Empire Loyalists, c1994. pp.184-5.
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