Patriotic Success and Loyalist Failure in Post-Revolutionary War-era Westchester County

Abstract

My American History Senior Project revolves around the forfeiture of Loyalist land in Westchester County following the conclusion of the American Revolutionary War. My essay answers the question, "Why did land forfeiture of Loyalist land following the war proceed in the manner that it did?" My answer to this question is, "Land forfeiture of Loyalist land was a bitter and nuanced predicament which manifested itself due to a variety of reasons, including Loyalists' poor standing in Westchester County, Loyalists' agitation of Patriots, the failure of Loyalist citizens and leadership, Patriots' goals for a new nation, and Patriots' swift and fierce nature.