Why did some American colonists support the King of England?

When most people think of the events leading up to the American Revolution, they think of the Patriots, who opposed the King. However, as you have read, about 1/3 of American colonists supported the King, and opposed independence. They were known as Loyalists, and their story is not as well known.

Your assignment is to create an extended paragraph that answers these questions:

• Why did the Loyalists support the King and oppose independence? Be sure to cite specific primary sources, and use at least one brief quote.
• How do you think that Patriots might have responded to the Loyalists' arguments?
• Which side do you think had a better argument, and why?

King George III