Who Were Neutralists in the Revolutionary War?

By Staff WriterLast Updated December 07, 2023

According to the History Teaching Institute, a significant number of colonists attempted to remain neutral during the Revolutionary War. These citizens were not particularly loyal to the British crown but refused to involve themselves in the rebellion.

While many of those who took a neutral stance during the Revolutionary War did so for religious or moral reasons, others who supported neither side simply did so in an attempt to avoid the strife that would come with such a declaration. Remaining neutral was more difficult in regions where loyalists or patriots were particularly strong, since any who did not support their side were viewed with considerable suspicion.