Reflect on Your Knowledge

In this section, you will examine your current knowledge about loyalists and rebels during the American Revolution. Discuss the following questions with your colleagues or reflect on them in your journal.

1. What factors influenced individual colonists to choose a particular side -- loyalist or rebel -- during the Revolution? What were some of the risks and/or benefits associated with individual colonists aligning themselves with one side or the other?
2. Which of these factors related to choosing sides during the Revolutionary War period seem relevant to the debates in support of or opposition to America's post-WWII wars and conflicts?
3. How do you help students draw parallels and make connections between the individual's dilemma related to war in colonial times and today? Why is it important to make these connections?