History and Its “Losers”

Abstract

This article considers the historiography of the British Jacobites and American loyalists. It argues that they have been treated unfairly by history. In short, their importance has been minimized out of regard for dominant narratives. The article looks at older and newer historical accounts that reinterpret events in 17th and 18th century Britain and in revolutionary America to give Jacobites and loyalists a fairer share in these events. In conclusion, the article states that historiography will soon have to integrate the experience of these hitherto neglected currents into its main narrative.

History from Scratch: Introduction to the Special Issue

“…"Historiography has not been kind to history's losers", writes André Liebich (History and its "Losers") [1]. In a short and well-informed paper, he recalls aspects of the "Glorious Revolution" in Britain and the equally celebrated American Revolution which do not loom large in the public mind.…”