Although the delegates of the Continental Congress formally signed the Declaration of Independence, not all the people supported going to war with Britain. At that time, political leader John Adams, who strongly advocated for independence, estimated that the population was divided roughly into thirds: one-third supported independence, one-third remained loyal to Britain, and one-third stayed neutral.

During the Revolutionary War, 30,000 colonists joined the British army, and some even leaked information about the Continental Army’s movements. Those loyal to Britain included royal appointees, religious leaders of the Anglican Church, and merchants with close ties to Britain. Judging by the number of people who joined the British forces, opponents of independence outnumbered supporters.

Some groups continued to pledge loyalty to the British king, hoping for protection. Others resisted change, doubted that independence would improve their lives, or believed that Britain had not acted so oppressively as to justify rebellion. Many Native Americans sided with the British, believing that Britain would ultimately win. Some fought alongside British forces, while a smaller number allied with the Americans.

Enslaved Africans were also divided. Thousands served the British, as joining their side offered the possibility of freedom. Some American states also promised freedom to slaves who joined the Continental Army, so many enslaved people joined the patriots. However, most slaves believed that siding with Britain provided a higher chance of gaining freedom. During the war, several thousand slaves joined the Continental Army, mainly performing duties like driving wagons or transporting supplies.

Loyalists and patriots often clashed violently, sometimes burning each other’s homes and farms. The Revolutionary War was essentially a civil war, splitting many families—most famously, Benjamin Franklin’s. Franklin signed the Declaration, while his son served as governor of New Jersey, loyal to the British crown.

Each of the thirteen colonies acted independently, and the Continental Congress could not issue binding orders or compel them to fund the war, only request assistance. Washington, as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, could not demand troop contributions; he had to rely on voluntary support from the states. His ability to maintain the backing of all thirteen colonies demonstrated his political skill.

Even within Britain, opinions about the war were divided. Many supported government suppression, believing it was the only way to save loyal subjects. Others argued that the colonies had not invaded Britain, so there was no reason for war; the colonies should be allowed to manage their own affairs.

The British king refused to relinquish control over the colonies, seeking to preserve his authority and defend Britain’s honor through war. The conflict disrupted trade between British merchants and the colonies, caused rising prices and taxes, and forced young men into military service.

The Continental Army faced enormous challenges. The Continental Congress never had sufficient war funds, states frequently failed to meet obligations, many colonists were reluctant to enlist, and the troops often lacked combat experience, volunteering for service typically for only one year at a time.