What did they call the Americans during the Revolutionary War?

During the Revolutionary War, the Americans, particularly those fighting for independence against the British Crown, were known by several distinct names, reflecting their political stance, military affiliation, or the perception of their adversaries.

Common Names for Americans During the Revolution

The colonists who actively participated in the fight against British rule embraced or were assigned various labels that described their revolutionary spirit and loyalty to the emerging American nation.

• Rebels: This was a prevalent term used by the British to describe the colonists who took up arms against the Crown. It underscored their defiance of established authority.
• Patriots: A term widely adopted by the colonists themselves, signifying their dedication to American liberty and their new national identity. It conveyed a sense of loyalty to the cause of independence.
• Continentals: This name specifically referred to the soldiers of the Continental Army, the unified military force established by the Continental Congress to fight the British.
• Yankees: While its exact origin is debated, this term became associated with American colonists. It was sometimes used by the British, occasionally with a disparaging tone.
• Whigs: This term connected American revolutionaries to the Whig political faction in Great Britain, which generally advocated for parliamentary power over royal authority and often sympathized with American grievances.
• Colonials: A general descriptive term for the inhabitants of the American colonies who engaged in the Revolutionary War.

These terms highlight the diverse ways in which the American combatants were identified and perceived by themselves and by their opponents during this pivotal period in history.

Summary of Terms