British loyalists were American colonists who remained loyal to the British Crown during the American Revolutionary War. They opposed the revolution and supported British rule, believing it provided stability and protection. Loyalists came from various backgrounds, including wealthy landowners, government officials, and ordinary citizens. Many loyalists faced persecution and violence from revolutionary groups, leading some to flee to Canada or other British territories. After the war, loyalists who remained in the newly formed United States often struggled to regain their property and rights, as their allegiance to Britain was viewed with suspicion by their neighbors.