If you lived in the American colonies, who would you have sided with?

[johnbryan]

Originally Posted by Half Pint John

I'm sure it would depend a lot on where one lived at the time. Was I living in the UK or in the colonies? IF I was living in my home town I would most likely have been a Loyalist at the start. After the Indian raids, backed by the Crown, started I would have become a rapid Patriot with disgust for the Crown. Using NA against their own subjects as a big mistake. People from over the mountains didn't care much for what was happening back on the coast. Once the Indians came...

The British raised a unit known as "Brant's Volunteers" made up of both disposessed Loyalists who were kicked off their farms and the Indians of the First Nations. The Loyalists often dressed like the Indians and behaved the same way in battle. They too operated out of Fort Niagara and went on long range raids throughout New York, rendering much of central and western parts of the colony a virtual "no Man's land" with no clear title to the land by either side. The raids in the Cherry Valley and Wyoming Valley destroyed alot of farms and fields, let alone the grain and other foodstuffs grown there. This meant Washington's Army located around New York City and who depended on the agricultural largesse of those farmers, were oftentimes hungry for lack of food.

[Half Pint John]

Originally Posted by johnbryan

The British wanted the French Fort Duquesne at the confluence of the Monogahela and Aleghany rivers. They launched a major military campaign against it and got their asses kicked by inferior numbers of French and their Indian allies. The French later abandoned Fort Duquesne. The British took it over and wisely moved it to a higher elevation, because of its tendency to flood when the rivers were running high. The British called the new fort, Fort Pitt. Today's Pittsburgh.

John, you do realize that is a NO S--- post. Like tell me something new.

[johnbryan]

Originally Posted by Half Pint John

John, you do realize that is a NO S--- post. Like tell me something new.

Nothing new to you and me, but alot of other folk out there have no idea about this.

[Half Pint John]

People from over the mountains didn't care much for what was happening back on the coast. Once the Indians came...

[johnbryan]

Originally Posted by Half Pint John

People from over the mountains didn't care much for what was happening back on the coast. Once the Indians came...

They sure did when they got together to destroy Patrick Furguson and his British and Loyalist troops atop King's Mountain. Furguson really raised the ire of all the "over the mountain men" when he posted his proclamations to submit to the King's will or die, in all the towns and villages in the area.

[johnbryan]

Originally Posted by johnbryan

They sure did when they got together to destroy Patrick Furguson and his British and Loyalist troops atop King's Mountain. Furguson really raised the ire of all the "over the mountain men" when he posted his proclamations to submit to the King's will or die, in all the towns and villages in the area.

More hillbilly's showed up at King's Mountain than at a free NASCAR race.

[Count of Cannae]

I would have sided with the loyalists, It seemeed to me that the Monarch, while still not being my favorite form of government, was not asking or all that much, The colonies didn't get all that much representation because of the fact that they were colonies, also the british had taught them everything they knew, and had supported them in numerous ways, the colonists, i feel, wanted their independence only to get away from the king, If Britain would have had parliament do more of he diplomacy with the colonists, i feel we would have gotten along better, that being said, i am glad that the patriots won, only because of the post war actions, not because of the situations and actions up to the Revolutionary war.

[patton32]

When I played Europa Universalis American revolution campaign, I played both the British and the Americans and was quite successful in achieving victory.

[Frtigern]

I would be an Oneida chief with an intent on preserving my people, their territory and good trading relations. Neutrality would be first, then anyone who threatens my people or acts unjust against us would force our hand.

[doublejm1]

I would have backed the cause for American independence - hands down.

[cap78]

my decision would have been based on my position in life, most likely. For example, if I were doing well financially I would probably see no reason for changes nor if I were working for the British government.

[rogg]

Hessen, of course!

[Hypaspist]

Theoretically, I would say Loyalist. Eventually there would have been a King more apt to listen than George III was, and representation in parliament could have been demanded for less than a war that would end up changing the status quo permanently. What is most important is that the rights that men were willing to die for then were inevitably lost and we are far less free today. Would both countries be overwhelmed by foreigners and little better than slaves if there was no revolution? It's all lost now, so I don't see what was gained by a revolution that wouldn't have been lost if there had been a stronger commonwealth with a moderating influence of colonials.
So in short: Loyalist, but things would have to change for the better.

However, this is also assuming that I hadn't fallen victim to the grievances outlined in the Declaration of Independence. Had I lost my legs to French guns only to be treated like a second class subject, I probably would have been pissed. Or if the King's Indian allies had tortured my family, I probably would lose the abstract quality of loyalty in favor of the primal instincts which actually fueled the revolution.....not some highminded philosophy.

[Taylor Ahern]

As this true American, a full blooded Irishman, and a native Bostonian to boot, for me to choose any other course or route NOT designated as this die hard, tenacious, fiery and unwavering PATRIOT would seem illogical, unlikely and entirely preposterous. PATRIOT all the way!!!

For my moderately idealistic, often temperamental, ardently action seeking, freedom loving, anti-aristocratic and more warlike instincts and inclinations would've compelled me to eschew this more thoroughly mitigated, conditional and moderate course, AND inspired me to take up arms so as to assist in the noble and daunting cause of throwing off the yoke of British imperialism and oppression.

To do otherwise just wouldn't jibe with my more militaristic, independence inclined, wild Irish nature

Though of course 237 years of hindsight is, as they say, 20/20, so than again for me to sit here and type these bombastic words with idealistic enthusiasm and iron clad certainty could also be construed as a wee bit silly and impractical Though I know one thing for certain, than, as now, this would've been my favorite pastime