Ask the Chatbot Games & Quizzes History & Society Science & Tech Biographies Animals & Nature Geography & Travel Arts & Culture ProCon Money Videos
loyalist
Introduction References & Edit History Quick Facts & Related Topics
Images & Videos
engraving showing the American treatment of loyalists
A group of American Revolution reenactors are dressed as British soldiers in red coats.
Atrocities against Loyalists
Quizzes
Betsy Ross Flag. United states
The American Revolution
Feedback
Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login).
Thank you for your feedback

Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

External Websites
engraving showing the American treatment of loyalists
engraving showing the American treatment of loyalists Engraving showing the American treatment of loyalists, who were denied freedom of speech and often had their property confiscated or burned.

loyalist

United States history
Also known as: Tory
Written and fact-checked by
Britannica Editors
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....
Britannica Editors
History

loyalist, colonist loyal to Great Britain during the American Revolution. Loyalists constituted about one-third of the population of the American colonies during that conflict. They were not confined to any particular group or class, but their numbers were strongest among the following groups: officeholders and others who served the British crown and had a vested interest in upholding its authority; Anglican clergymen and their parishioners in the North, who had likewise taken vows of allegiance...

Discover the world with Britannica

Subscribe to Continue Reading

Free Trial | No Ads | Exclusive Content

Unsubscribe Anytime!

Explore Subscriptions
DNA
Right
Mobile