Tories

Tories examines the American Revolution from the perspective of colonists who remained loyal to Britain during the war. The book reconstructs the experiences of these Loyalists through letters, diaries, and historical records. The narrative follows multiple individuals and families as they navigate the increasing tensions and eventual violence between Patriots and Loyalists in colonial America. Their stories reveal the complex social and political dynamics that divided communities and sometimes even households. Allen documents how Loyalists faced persecution, property seizure, and exile as they maintained their allegiance to King George III. The accounts span from New England to the Southern colonies, showing how the conflict affected different regions. The book presents the American Revolution as more than a straightforward fight for independence, revealing it as a civil war that forced colonists to make difficult choices about loyalty and identity. Through these personal stories, it demonstrates how political beliefs shaped and sometimes destroyed relationships between neighbors, friends, and family members.

Readers appreciate the book's focus on Loyalist experiences during the American Revolution - a perspective often overlooked in other historical accounts. Many note Allen's research reveals personal stories and motivations of those who remained loyal to Britain. Readers highlight Allen's clear writing style and his ability to convey complex political divisions within families and communities. Several reviews mention the book helps explain why approximately 20% of colonists opposed independence. Common criticisms include: - Lack of depth on certain key Loyalist figures - Structure can feel disjointed as it jumps between different regions - Some readers wanted more analysis of long-term impacts on Canadian history Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (164 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (89 ratings) One reviewer on Amazon noted: "Allen gives voice to the losing side without taking sides himself." Another on Goodreads wrote: "Fills an important gap in Revolutionary War history but could have been better organized."

Liberty's Exiles by Maya Jasanoff The stories of British Loyalists who fled America after the Revolution illuminate the conflict's impact on those who remained faithful to the Crown.

Band of Giants by Jack Kelly The military leaders of the American Revolution, both Patriots and their opponents, come to life through their actions, decisions, and personal connections.

The Men Who Lost America by Andrew Jackson O'Shaughnessy The British side of the American Revolution unfolds through the perspectives of its key military and political leaders.

Turncoat by Stephen Brumwell Benedict Arnold's transformation from American hero to British loyalist reveals the complex motivations and relationships that defined allegiances during the Revolution.

Scars of Independence by Holger Hoock The American Revolution emerges as a brutal civil war that divided communities and families while setting neighbor against neighbor.

🔷 Thomas B. Allen spent three years researching and writing Tories, conducting extensive research at historical societies, museums, and private collections across both the United States and Great Britain. 🔷 During the American Revolution, approximately one-third of all colonists remained loyal to the British Crown - a percentage that would equal roughly 100 million Americans today. 🔷 Many Native American tribes sided with the British during the Revolution because they viewed the Crown as more likely to protect their lands from colonial expansion than the rebellious colonists. 🔷 Some Loyalist families were so devastated by the Revolution's outcome that they migrated to Canada, where their descendants still live today - these people are known as United Empire Loyalists. 🔷 The British government compensated Loyalists for their losses after the war, reviewing over 5,000 claims and paying out more than £3 million (equivalent to hundreds of millions in today's currency).