Angloamerican loyalties, 1739-1756

Abstract

Since the beginning of history, loyalty has been an important factor in human affairs. Loyalty to the city- state played a role in the wars between Sparta and Athens in ancient Greece; loyalty to feudal lords formed the basis of feudal society; and loyalty to the family was at least partly responsible for the dynastic ambitions of Renaissance monarchs. Loyalty in history may be found in a devotion to the needs and wishes of another person; in a sense of attachment to a particular geographic region; in an adherence to certain political ideals or institutions; and in a tenacious belief in specific religious dogmas or rituals. This single term, "loyalty," can be used to describe each of these diverse feelings. What these varieties of loyalty have in common is the attachment of an individual to an idea, group, institution, or another individual, outside of himself. This attachment is largely emotional, and involves a sense of the compatibility of one's own sentiments and interests with the object of loyalty, and a willingness to comply with its demands upon conscience, services, and private possessions.