Political Sides during the Second Continental Congress
Political parties as we understand them today didn’t exist yet (the first political parties were formed later, in 1792), which makes sense when we remember America wasn’t formally politically independent yet.
That said, there were three political sides: the Loyalists, the Patriots, and the neutrals.
There were no clear deciding factors or patterns that determined who would end up on what side; no observable trends in terms of educational level, occupation, position in society, or economic status.
1
Loyalists
Also known as: Tories, King’s Men, Royalists
Loyal to Britain and the King of England.
May not have agreed with the policies and laws of the Crown, but felt they had a duty to uphold the laws of the British government.
2
Patriots
Also known as: Whigs
Supported colonial independence and self-rule.
Had grown weary of British rules and policies, especially when they had no say in how these laws would be made or implemented.
Tired of being British citizens without British rights.
3
Neutrals
As the name suggests, they sided with neither Loyalists nor Patriots.
Some neutrals did not care who governed them so long as the government largely left them alone; others simply did not want to be on the losing side.