Benedict Arnold and Loyalist Rationale

When we think of the American Revolution, we often focus on the patriots who fought for independence. But what about the Loyalists—those who chose to remain faithful to the British crown?

In this episode, we revisit a thought-provoking conversation with historian Brad Jones of Fresno State University, author of Resisting Independence: Popular Loyalism in the Revolutionary British Atlantic. Brad challenges the long-held view of Loyalists as passive or fearful, instead revealing Loyalism as a vibrant political identity shaped by faith, governance, and a broader sense of British belonging. 

Listen as we explore: Why the Revolution was also a civil war among neighbors. How Protestantism influenced Loyalist thought. What loyalty meant across the diverse communities of the British Atlantic. 

This episode offers a deeper, more nuanced view of the Revolution—and the people who resisted it.
Brad’s Website | Book |
Show Notes: https://www.benfranklinsworld.com/330

RECOMMENDED NEXT EPISODES
🎧 Episode 119: The Heart of the Declaration
🎧 Episode 122: The Men Who Lost America
🎧 Episode 151: Defining the American Revolution
🎧 Episode 232: The Acadian Diaspora
🎧 Episode 238: Benedict Arnold
🎧 Episode 306: The Horse's Tail

SUPPORT OUR WORK
🎁 Make a Donation to Ben Franklin’s World

REQUEST A TOPIC
📨 Topic Request Form
📫 liz@benfranklinsworld.com

WHEN YOU'RE READY
🗞️ BFW Gazette Newsletter
👩‍💻 BFW Listener Community
🌍 The History Explorers Club 

LISTEN 🎧
🍎 Apple Podcasts 
💚 Spotify 
🎶 Amazon Music
🛜 Pandora

CONNECT
🦋 Liz on Bluesky
👩‍💻 Liz on LinkedIn
🛜 Liz’s Website

SAY THANKS
💜 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts
💚 Leave a rating on Spotify
*Book links are affiliate links. Every purchase supports the podcast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices