In the American Revolution these were the two sides. Patriots supported independence from Britain; Loyalists remained loyal to the Crown. Both terms are historical labels for political positions of the 1770s and 80s, and both words also have general meanings outside that context.
In the American Revolution
- Patriots — colonists who supported separation from Britain. Also called Whigs, Rebels or Continentals depending on who was speaking.
- Loyalists — colonists who remained loyal to the Crown. Also called Tories or King's Men.
Estimates vary widely, but a substantial minority of the colonial population was Loyalist and a further large share tried to stay neutral. It was not a two-sided conflict with everyone taking a side.
What happened to the Loyalists
Many left. Tens of thousands went to what is now Canada — particularly Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Ontario — and others to Britain, the Caribbean or Florida. Those departures shaped the demography and politics of Canada substantially, which is why the period matters on both sides of the border.
The general meanings
- patriot — someone who loves and supports their country. Distinguished from nationalist, which implies belief in one nation's superiority or priority over others.
- loyalist — someone who stays faithful to an established authority or cause, in any context.
Loyalist in Ireland
The word carries a separate and specific meaning in the context of Northern Ireland, where loyalist denotes support for the union with Great Britain. That usage is unrelated to the American one beyond the shared root idea of loyalty to the Crown, and the two should not be conflated.
The words themselves
Patriot comes through French from Greek patrios, of one's fathers — the same root as paternal. Loyal comes from Old French, ultimately from Latin legalis, lawful, which is also the root of legal.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a Patriot and a Loyalist?
In the American Revolution, Patriots supported independence from Britain and Loyalists remained loyal to the Crown.
What happened to the Loyalists after the war?
Tens of thousands left, many for what is now Canada — especially Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Ontario — and others for Britain, the Caribbean or Florida.
What is the difference between a patriot and a nationalist?
Patriot means someone who loves and supports their country; nationalist implies belief in one nation's superiority or priority over others.