452 How Everyday Loyalists Experienced the Revolution

Oct 6, 2026

01:23:36

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We often ask why some Americans chose to remain loyal to the British and why they did not want to seek independence. But the question some Americans asked at the time of the Revolution focused more on navigating daily life: How could they protect their families, property, and honor when neighbors, committees, and crowds decided what side they were on?

Today we’re joined by three guests who will help us investigate the American Revolution through Loyalist eyes and explore how Loyalists experienced the American Revolution.

Timothy Compeau, an Associate Professor of History at Huron University College at Western University in London, Ontario; Bonnie Huskins who teaches history at St. Thomas University in Fredericton, New Brunswick; and Kacy Tillman, a professor of English and Writing at the University of Tampa.

Timothy's Book | Bonnie's Work | Kacy's Book

Show notes: https://www.benfranklinsworld.com/452

EPISODE OUTLINE

00:00:00 Introduction

00:06:07 The Origins and Definitions of the Term “Loyalist”

00:11:11 Common Misconceptions about Loyalists

00:22:52 How Communities Identified their Loyalist Neighbors

00:31:34 How Everyday Loyalists Experienced the Revolution

00:40:19 Women Loyalists and the Fear of Violence

00:50:40 Black Loyalists and the Search for Freedom

01:00:05 Post-War Animosities Between Loyalists and Revolutionaries

01:09:12 What We Still Get Wrong About the Revolution