What was a major obstacle faced by the Whigs during the Revolutionary War?

The major obstacle faced by the Whigs during the Revolutionary War was primarily due to British occupation and fighting. The Whigs, who were advocates for independence and change in governance, found themselves operating under the direct threat of British military control. This occupation hindered their ability to organize effectively and mobilize support for the revolutionary cause.

British forces were stationed in key cities and controlled significant territories, which meant that Whigs often had to navigate a complicated political environment where their actions could draw the ire of loyalists or provoke direct conflict with British soldiers. This contemporary context of occupation limited their ability to galvanize popular support throughout the colonies, as many citizens were hesitant to engage in revolution due to fear of retribution from occupying forces.

In addition to the immediate threat from British troops, the ideological battle for loyalty among colonists posed significant challenges, as the Whigs sought to unify various factions under the banner of independence amid fluctuating public opinion towards British rule. Such circumstances made the Whigs' struggle not just a military one, but fundamentally tied to the presence and aggression of British combatants in the colonies.