What role did the home front play in the war?

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Figure false: Rivington’s New York Loyal Gazette
Figure false: Not all newspaper editors supported the Revolution. James Rivington of New York City heaped abuse on Washington and others and earned a reputation for mean-spirited polemics. When New York City became British headquarters, Rivington curried favor with the British command. Yet it appears now that long-standing rumors about his duplicity are likely true. Evidence suggests that by 1781 he was passing codes to George Washington about British military plans. Courtesy, American Antiquarian Society.

CHRONOLOGY

1775

  • – June. The Second Continental Congress declares all loyalists traitors.
  • – Mohawk leader Joseph Brant travels to England to pledge support for the British side.

1776

  • – In New York City, loyalists sign “A Declaration of Dependence.”

1777

  • – British Parliament suspends habeas corpus.

1778

  • – Colonial committees of public safety fix prices on essential commodities.

1780

  • – Philadelphia Ladies Association raises money for soldiers.

BATTLEFIELDS ALONE DID not determine the outcome of the war. Struggles on the home front were equally important. Men who joined the army often left wives to manage on their own. Some men did not join because they were loyal to Britain and did not welcome war, and many others were undecided about independence. In many communities, both persuasion and force were used to gain the allegiance of the many neutrals. A major factor pushing neutrals to side with the Revolution was the harsh treatment of prisoners of war by the British. Adding to the turbulence of the times was a very shaky wartime economy. The creative financing of the fledgling government brought hardships as well as opportunities, forcing Americans to confront new manifestations of virtue and corruption.