During the American Revolution, a substantial number of colonists were Loyalists. A Loyalist was a person who

remained loyal to the British monarchy and opposed the war for independence. They believed that the British government had the right to govern the colonies and saw the Revolution as an act of treason. Loyalists faced persecution and discrimination from Patriots who supported independence, and many were forced to flee the colonies or were imprisoned. Despite their opposition to the American cause, Loyalists played a significant role in shaping the outcome of the war and the development of the United States.