NEW YORK LOYALISTS WENT INTO EXILE??? “YES!!!”
In 1783, at the end of war, thousands of New York loyalists were removed from their city. The most popular merchants and land owners who were faithful to the Crown left along with the leaders of the Anglican communion whose fate in the “postwar settlement” greatly affected the history of New York. In fact, it affected the history of New York more than any other colony. In March 1778, Tories in New York were deprived of franchise, which was followed by Tory lawyers being barred from their job in October 1779. As a result, properties of loyalists were taken away. “Anti-loyalism” reached its optimum when a law was passed which caused restrictions on loyalists that suspended their right to vote. Nevertheless, measures were subsequently taken to allow loyalists to reside in the city once more with the consequence of accepting the state’s title to their confiscated property.
The banishment of loyalists who have been wholeheartedly loyal to their authorities was seemingly unjust, as they were the ones preserving the city. Homberger adroitly describes how they were expelled from society but were apparently needed in the long run. Therefore, measures were taken and laws were instigated so as to accommodate their residency. However, upon their re-arrival, things were not the same as the royalists were no longer in control, but rather the wealthy.
(Taken from Homberger’s The Historical Atlas of New York City, “The End of Loyalists New York” pg. 60 – 61)
Yes I do agree that the expelling of the Loyalists is extremely unjust. These people came straight from Great Britain to start a new life in the America just like everyone else. There is no reason to deprive them of their home in this new land especially when it was the British who fought so hard for it. What makes the Americans deserve the land when the British bought or fought for it? Although it is unjust, this impact wasn’t a huge one on New York. I would rate it 6/10 because they eventually came back.
I believe that the banishment of loyalists in New York was quite harsh but I can also understand why. in a time of war people will group with those who share their same values and ideas, if they fear that you will go against this cause they will discriminate you from the group and leave you to fend for yourself. It is human nature to remove that which opposes you. I believe that the removal of the loyalists however wasn’t to great of an impact however so id rate their removal a 4 out of 10.
I can understand how some people would view expelling people from there country as harsh, but I can sympathize with the colonists. They had just went through a war with the British and the loyalists which they were expelling were loyal to the British. The United States did a similar feet during WWII; they put people of Japanese decent into interim camps. I agree that these facts are of historical significance. However, I don’t agree that it shaped New York City that much. If the loyalists stayed (and some did), what would have changed? From 1-10 I give this argument a 5 in understanding the evolution of New York City; the facts are of historical significance, but not necessarily of New York City significance.