The Loyalists were a diverse group of people who included wealthy merchants, landowners, religious leaders, and many others who believed they had more to gain from a relationship with Britain than with a new country. Some were concerned about the potential instability of a new government, while others felt they had a duty to remain loyal to the British crown.
The Loyalists were often at odds with the Patriots, who were fighting for American independence. The two sides clashed in numerous battles, and the Loyalists were eventually forced to retreat from the colonies. Some of them went to Canada or Britain, while others stayed in the colonies and accepted American rule.
The term "Tory" is still sometimes used to refer to conservatives, but it is more commonly used in a historical sense. The Loyalists were an important part of American history, and their story is a reminder of the complexities of the American Revolution.