A terrorist is a person who uses violence and intimidation in the pursuit of political aims. "Patriots" in Colonial times were those people who thought the English king had overstepped his authority in declaring laws and taxes pertaining to people in North America without listening to their point of view ("taxation without representation"). They wanted to break ties with England and form their own, sovereign nation. In my personal opinion, I strongly believe that breaking ties with another country doesn't mean you have turned into a terrorist. The patriots were just fighting for their liberty and freedom during the revolutionary war. In conclusion, I believe that American colonist are patriots.