It was very dangerous for Loyalists (also called derisively as "Tories") to let their allegiances to the Crown be known in public as the revolution ramped up, especially in Patriot-dominated areas. They would often lose their civil liberties, have their property or businesses confiscated, endure harassment and mob violence. Many fled to New York City or other British strongholds for safety during the war.

While some Loyalists were prosperous, part of the former colonial elite and had the means or connections to survive, most were ordinary people of lower social rank and poorer: tradespeople, farmers and laborers. They didn't have the wealth or status to secure passage to Britain. It's estimated that up to 500,000 colonists were considered Loyalists -- about 20% of the white population. 19,000 would actually enlist and serve Britain in Loyalist militias. Most of the Loyalists did remain in America after the revolution and became citizens.

Black and indigenous Loyalists sided with Britain not so much out of love for the Crown, but as a matter of survival or in hopes that Britain would uphold its promises of freedom (blacks) or a homeland (natives). While some blacks escaped slavery by helping Britain, the native peoples' grievances were ignored in the peace treaty.

When the war ended, up to 80,000 Loyalists left America. Many had no choice, as they had been shunned and persecuted in their communities, or lost their livelihood and property. The majority of them, some 35,000, moved to Canada, as Britain offered them land and supplies as compensation for their service to the Crown. Others moved to the West Indies colonies with similar incentives, to Florida, or returned to Britain.