Loyalists

Loyalists were American colonists who remained loyal to the British Crown during the American Revolutionary War (1775-1783). They opposed the rebellion against British rule and supported the empire, often fearing the consequences of independence, such as loss of stability or rights. Loyalists included various social classes and were sometimes referred to as "Tories." After the war, many fled to Canada or other British territories to escape persecution, while others faced social and economic hardships in the new United States. Their legacy is a reminder of the complexities within the struggle for independence.