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Dbq Loyalists Essay

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Loyalists In between 1760 and 1800, conflict ensued between Great Britain and the American colonies, now the United States. Because of certain events and documents, those who had not chosen a side would have benefitted more if indecisive individuals become loyal to the British crown. Those who obeyed to Great Britain were known as loyalists, or, according to the DBQ Theme assignment, “Tories.” The unsure colonists would benefit more if converting to loyalists because of Great Britain’s power and strength, economic superiority, and that the patriots are of barbaric and violent nature. Also, the patriots were not ready to start a revolution even though they believed the opposite. Great Britain was a powerful and strong nation during the …show more content…

Document 4 includes a majority of facts relating to the economic advantage that Great Britain has. Two decent examples that Document 4 gives are, “Value of the dollar dropped throughout the war,” and, “Dollar lost 90% of its value by 1779.” The dollar that is being referred to is the Continental Dollar. Furthermore, at around 1781, it can be inferred that the Continental Dollar completely lost its value as Document 4 states, “By 1781 only ‘hard money’ (gold, silver) used in U.S. markets.” Great Britain, however, has a more stable economy without needing to resort to metals, and with what Document 4 includes, “Well established system of taxation and finance.” This compares to the loss of value throughout the Revolutionary War. Britain exercises its economic strength by, from what the article states, “Britain spent 4.5 million pounds on Hessians alone” (Doc 4). Almost 5 million pounds in the 1770s is still a lot of money compared to modern-day Britain’s economy. Britain, with the evidence of hiring Hessians, is able to financially support an army unlike the United States where a document confirms, “...but most are wretchedly clothed...” (Doc 5). The colonies have a more inferior economy based off of the history of events and documented

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