Loyalists, in the American Revolution, colonials who adhered to
the British cause. The patriots referred to them as Tories.
Although Loyalists were found in all social classes and
occupations, a disproportionately large number were engaged in
commerce and the professions, or were officeholders under the
crown. They also tended to be foreign born and of the Anglican
religion. In addition, thousands of free blacks were among the
Loyalists. As a whole, their motives for remaining loyal were
complex and embraced both ideological and material reasons. In
1774–75, when most colonials hoped for reconciliation with the
British government, the line between Loyalist and non-Loyalist
was not very sharp; many Loyalists voiced opposition to the acts
of Parliament. But the Declaration of Independence created a
sharp dividing line between supporters and opponents of
independence. Figures on public opinion in the Revolution are
obviously mere guesswork, but John Adams estimated that one
third of the colonials were Loyalists;