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Ben Franklin's World

BFW Revisited: Loyalism in the British Atlantic World

Ben Franklin's World

Liz Covart

Earlyrepublic, History, Benfranklin, Society & Culture, Warforindependence, Earlyamericanrepublic, Earlyamericanhistory, Education, Colonialamerica, Americanrevolution, Ushistory, Benjaminfranklin

4.61.5K Ratings

🗓️ 16 September 2025

⏱️ 73 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

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/330RECOMMENDED 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 WorldREQUEST A TOPIC📨 Topic Request Form📫 [email protected] YOU'RE READY🗞️ BFW Gazette Newsletter 👩‍💻 Join the BFW Listener CommunityLISTEN 🎧🍎 Apple Podcasts 💚 Spotify 🎶 Amazon Music🛜 PandoraCONNECT🦋 Liz on Bluesky👩‍💻 Liz on LinkedIn🛜 Liz’s WebsiteSAY 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

Transcript

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0:00.0

I'm Jeffrey Rosen, president and CEO of the National Constitution Center.

0:04.8

A few years ago, learning about the forgotten meaning of the pursuit of happiness changed my life.

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When the founders wrote that famous phrase in the Declaration of Independence,

0:14.5

they meant an ongoing commitment to self-improvement and lifelong learning.

0:19.4

This discovery inspired me to write a book, and in my

0:22.2

new podcast, I explore the founder's lives with the historians who know them best. Plus, filmmaker

0:27.9

Ken Byrne shares his daily practice of self-reflection. Join me for Pursuit, the Founders Guide to Happiness.

0:35.7

From the terrifying power of tornadoes to sizzling summer temperatures,

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Acuweather Daily brings you the top trending weather-related story of the day, seven days a week.

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You can learn a lot in just a few minutes with stories about impending hurricanes, winter storms,

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or even what not to miss in the night sky.

0:54.2

So listen and subscribe to AccuWe Daily, wherever you get your podcasts.

0:59.2

That's Accuweather Daily, wherever you get your podcasts.

1:05.5

You're listening to an Airwave Media podcast.

1:17.0

You're listening to an Airwave Media Podcast. Hello and welcome to Ben Franklin's World Revisited,

1:20.8

a series of classic episodes that bring fresh perspective to our latest episodes

1:24.8

and add deeper connections to our understanding of early American history.

1:29.0

And I'm your host, Liz Covart.

1:31.7

We often hear about the revolutionaries, the men and women who pushed for independence.

1:36.8

But what about those who remain loyal to the British crown?

1:40.5

What did they believe and why did they choose loyalty over revolution?

1:44.7

In this episode, we're revisiting a powerful conversation with Fresno State University historian

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