Final answer:
The Loyalists were individuals who supported the British forces during the American Revolution. They fought to maintain British control over the American colonies and prevent independence.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Loyalists were individuals who supported the British forces during the American Revolution. They included royal officials, merchants, and others who viewed themselves as defenders of the British constitution. Some Loyalists resented the local business and political rivals who supported the Revolution, considering them hypocrites and schemers. The Loyalists were fighting to maintain the British Empire's control over the American colonies and to prevent independence.
Learn more about Loyalists during the American Revolution