The people that did not want to break away from Britain during the revolutionary war were known as Loyalists or Tories. They were a diverse group that included people of various social classes, ethnicities, and religious backgrounds. Some Loyalists were wealthy landowners who feared that independence would lead to social unrest and the loss of their property. Others were merchants who relied on trade with Britain and feared the economic consequences of independence. Still others were former British soldiers or officials who remained loyal to the British crown. The Loyalists were a significant minority in the colonies, but they were often well-organized and influential. They played a major role in the Revolutionary War, fighting on the side of the British against the Patriots.