How were Loyalists and Patriots defined?

• A. Loyalists: colonists loyal to Britain; Patriots: colonists who wanted independence.
• B. Loyalists: independence seekers; Patriots: loyal to Britain.
• C. Both supported Britain; neither supported independence.
• D. Patriots led by British aristocrats; Loyalists led by American settlers.

Answer: (A)

The key idea here is allegiance during the American Revolution. Loyalists stayed loyal to Britain, while Patriots wanted independence from Britain. This distinction captures the two main positions in the colonies: Loyalists often included officials and colonists who believed reforms within the imperial system were possible or preferable, whereas Patriots pushed for self-government and a new nation free from British rule. After the war, many Loyalists faced persecution or chose to relocate to Canada or Britain, while Patriots established the United States. The other options mix up who supported Britain or independence or misstate who led those groups, so they don’t fit as well.