The Divergent Paths of Patriots: Loyalists Who Fought in the French and Indian War but Not the Revolution

Is it possible that there would have been loyal American patriots who fought in the French and Indian War but not the Revolution? Yes, and not just possible but a definite reality. This article explores the paths of these loyalists and their motivations.

Loyalists in the French and Indian War

One such American who fought on the British side during the French and Indian War was George Washington. Many colonials who fought in the French and Indian War did so with the intention of protecting themselves and their families against 'foreigners' and 'savages.'

Motivations for Loyalty

During the American Revolution, Benjamin Franklin estimated that one-third of Americans supported the revolution, another third remained loyal to Britain, and the remaining third were neutral. Many Patriots who fought in the French and Indian War felt that the Revolution was about something different than protecting their land and families.

Political Refugees

At the end of the Revolution, the largest percentage of political refugees fled America, mostly to Canada. Ten of the thinly settled colonies were forced out, and Canada's population has since remained relatively small compared to the United States. The British government acknowledged the legitimacy of the Loyalists' plight and promised them compensation for their losses.

Compensation and Repatriation

The British government established courts in Bermuda and Halifax, which had the authority to reimburse Loyalists for their losses. However, this process was often daunting and costly. The British government eventually offered land and resources to Loyalists who could make their way to Canada, marking the first documented use of a billion in accounting.

Robert Rogers and Others

Robert Rogers was one American who fought in the French and Indian War but not in the Revolution. Many others followed similar paths, driven by complex motivations rather than a simple shift in ideology.

Transition to Revolution

Many colonials gained their first military experience during the French and Indian War. Militia Lt. Col. George Washington, for example, led an attack on a French outpost in West Virginia. While he became a key figure in the Revolution, his initial military experience was rooted in the protection of his community, not in the ideals of the Revolution.

The End of the French and Indian War and Its Aftermath

The Seven Years' War, which began with George Washington's attack, ultimately became a world war with many European states lining up against England. France's involvement ultimately broke the French government, leading to the French Revolution. The British and American Loyalists' plight was one of the first and most generous refugee experiments in history, with no country having been as generous since.

Conclusion

It is clear that while many Americans who fought in the French and Indian War went on to fight in the American Revolution, a significant number did not. Their motivations were diverse, rooted in the specific circumstances they faced, and often tied to the security and well-being of their families and communities.

Related Keywords: French and Indian War, Revolutionary War, Loyalists, George Washington