British Tories criticize the signatories for not…
July 1776 CE
British Tories criticize the signatories for not extending the same standards of equality to slaves.
Patriots follow independence with the Test Laws, requiring residents to swear allegiance to the state in which they live, intending to root out neutrals or opponents to independence.
Failure to do so means possible imprisonment, exile, and, in some cases, death.
American Tories are barred from public office, forbidden from practicing medicine and law, forced to pay increased taxes, barred from executing wills or becoming guardians to orphans.
Congress enables states to confiscate Loyalist property to fund the war, and offers them a choice between swearing loyalty to the republic, or either face exile, or forfeit the right to protection.
Quakers, who remain neutral, have their property confiscated.
States will later prevent Loyalists from collecting any debts they are owed.