How did the main argument of the Loyalists compare with that of the Patriots during the American revolution?

The
Loyalists had many arguments during the American Revolution. Many of the Loyalists had close
commercial and family ties to Britain. They felt that if the colonies formed a new nation these
ties would be strained if not severed. There were also concerns about what a new government
would look like. In many circumstances revolutions led to other revolutions, each one bloodier
than the one before. While the Loyalists were not happy with the concept of increased taxation,
many did not want to see the colonial governments embroiled in constant civil war.

There was also the question of defense. France and Spain could take over the newly
freed colonial governments any time they saw fit. Many saw being ruled by France and Spain as
being worse than being ruled by Parliament.

The Patriots had
counterarguments. Many Patriots felt as though the commercial ties with Britain were not vital,
as a free colonial government could trade with anyone it wished. Britain was also quite
dependent on the raw materials from the colonies; in the opinion of the Patriots, Britain needed
them more than they needed Britain. They also saw any government as being favorable to being
ruled arbitrarily by Parliament. They also did not view takeover by France or Spain as being
likely, since it would mean another war to be waged on a continent far away from
Europe.

While no one was quite sure how the American Revolution would end,
the Patriots were less afraid of the consequences than the Loyalists. The Loyalists, while not
in favor of increased taxation, saw stability and protection in Britain. The Patriots, on the
other hand, saw stifled growth and tyranny.