Divided Loyalties: How the American Revolution Came to New York

by Richard M. Ketchum

Years of neglect in the mother country had allowed America's fledgling democracy to gain power, but by 1760 America had become the biggest and fastest-growing part of the British economy, and Britain required tribute. When the revolution came to New York City, it tore apart a community that was already riven by deep-seated familial, political, religious, and economic antagonisms. Focusing on a number of individuals, Divided Loyalties describes their response to increasingly drastic actions taken in London by a succession of the king's ministers, which finally forced people to take sides and decide whether they would continue their loyalty to Great Britain or cast their lot with the American insurgents.

Using fascinating detail to draw us into history's narrative, Richard M. Ketchum explains why men with similar life experiences-even members of the same family-chose different sides when the war erupted.

Genres: History, American Revolution, Nonfiction, American History, American Revolutionary War, New York, American

464 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

A graduate of Yale, Richard Ketchum was a writer and editor who worked for the American Heritage Publishing Company from 1956 until 1974.

Reviews

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Through the prism of our national traditions, most of us see the origins of the movement for American independence as the result of devotion to the ideals of liberty, equality and the consent of the governed. What Ketchum shows us in this book is that the engine of independence had as much to do with fierce partisan politics, hatred spawned by income and social inequality, rancorous religious divisions and the wanton pride of an Imperial government that, blinded by its assumed superiority, had no vision of the future. Focusing on the events and protagonists of New York City from the time of the Stamp Act protests to the outbreak of war, Ketchum shows how effective organization of republican factions, along with a healthy dose of intimidation and mob rule, eventually won the day over the privileged class of Loyalist patricians and their supporters in the ever-divided melting pot of New York City. This is not among Ketchum's best books. It is, on occasion, repetitive and unfocused, but nonetheless presents a rare street-level view of revolutionary politics and culture.

[Ian Racey · Rating 3 out of 5]

The opening chapters were a bit broad in scope, essentially a history of the whole thirteen colonies during the period, but once the Stamp Act was reached, things narrowed down and this turned into a pretty good history of New York politics from 1765-75. Ketchum did a really good job tracking the shifting alliances and had an understanding of how domestic politics in Britain affected the situation in New York. He also took the different parties on their own terms and never allowed himself to fall into a trap of good Revolutionaries vs. evil Tories.

[Jay Wright · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book covers the pre-Revolutionary War period in New York City. A majority of this work covers no new ground, but covers the growth of the revolutionary spirit well. The difference is that this book concentrates on New York City which contained a good many loyalists, who agreed that England had overstepped, but wanted to continue to be subjects. It is well written, but its only benefit to me was the sections strictly about New York City.

[Ken · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent review of the significant aspects leading up to 1776 in New York.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Purchased at Two Brothers Books for $6.00 + .30¢ ME sales tax.

[Jimmy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good but uneven.

The early portions were an interesting read. Ketchum's other works were quite excellent and this pales in comparison. Much is written about Boston in this period but not much about NY. The book is very well sourced so it gives me more to read.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say. Great writing from Mr. Ketchum. He does a fabulous job of placing the mind's eye in the time period. It is true that it is quite difficult keeping track of figures in the book. There are so many that he writes about. You have to take a second to mentally process that figure and where his/her loyalty lies. Expect a slow read if you really wish to retain the historical facts in this book. The bibliography/sources are multiple pages at the end of the book and leave me with so much more to read about!

[Ken Wahe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Covered too much old ground...dissappointed that there was t morrow on nyc...needed map of nyc...post eds bps to NYC to Philly... most helpful would have been a chart showing patriots,loyalists and those who wanted some form of imperial status with loyalty to the king...and then there were those who waffled between the extremes...makes you understand why founders were fearful of mob violence and why this fear was written into the constitution...good book,it is a keeper for my library...very readable...bygone professor said NYC history is the country's history in microcosm


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[Ted Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ketchum delivers again. This seals it, I'll just have to get all his books, good stuff.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating book about two prominent families in New York, on opposite sides of the Revolution. It's a different look at the Revolutionary War than the usual history.

[Donna Thorland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Terrific book, truly awful index.

[Dana · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was interesting but way too long and too detailed. I just couldn't finish it.