During the American Revolution, the major division among society was between Patriots and Loyalists.
Explanation:
-Patriots were American colonists who revolted against the British monarchy during the AmericanRevolutionary War and established the states that became the United States of America. The Patriots developed and used the political philosophy of "Republicanism" and were also influenced by John Locke.
As a group, the Patriots consisted of widely differing political views and social positions, from college students like Alexander Hamilton and gardeners like Thomas Jefferson to commoners like Daniel Shays. Their opponents among the colonists were loyalists who remained loyal to the British crown. The Loyalists condemned his opponents by the term "traitor."
Many patriots were active before 1775 in groups such as Sons of Liberty. The most prominent leaders of the Patriots are today called the Founding Fathers of the United States by "Americans."
-Loyalists supported Britain for many different reasons and were rooted among many different groups in the Thirteen Colonies. Many felt personal loyalty to the British crown, while others feared that the revolution would bring chaos. Many argued that whigs were right in their fight for colonial rights, but considered that a peaceful solution was possible. Governors, judges, and other royal officials were almost all loyal because they depended on the incomes of their offices. Many, but not all, Anglican priests were also loyalists. The merchants often took a position depending on whether they were favored or disadvantaged by the mercantilist regulations. The plantation owners rarely chose sides depending on whether they were favored by British production support or whether they were indebted in London. In the sparsely populated areas of New York and in South and North Carolina, there were strong loyalist elements, which turned to the great landowners.
